One in 700 babies globally is born with a cleft. Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital conditions in the world. A cleft-affected child may experience difficulty eating, breathing and speaking. They often face bullying, which can negatively impact learning at school and ultimately employment as an adult.

“Clefts are one of the most common birth conditions, but many parents do not realize that they are treatable — babies and children with clefts can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We aim to make comprehensive cleft care treatment more accessible to patients. This documentary helps create that awareness that help is available,” said Jun Grimares, Smile Train’s program director for the Philippines.

Emmy-award-winning director Elisa Gambino tells the story of these challenges and the enduring love of a sister determined to do everything she can to provide her brother all the love and care he needs in the film, Every Day After. The film was awarded Best Documentary in several international film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Gambino shared how the film hopes to showcase the power of a sister’s love. “It was a profound honor to direct this film and share Jessa’s masterclass in unconditional love. Through our film, we shed light on the daily challenges faced by a boy who is seen as imperfect and shares the resilience, struggles and triumphs of Jary and his caring sister, Jessa,” Gambino said. 

Because of his appearance, Jary was neglected and shunned as he was growing up in Masbate province in the Philippines. In a fragile house on a hill, Jessa, his older sister, protects and takes care of him as a young teen, alongside her own two children. Jessa seeks out the medical care Jary has been denied since birth and provides him the support to begin his physical and emotional recovery. Jessa’s love and care became the guiding light that allowed Jary to experience the joys and struggles of growing up.

The world’s largest cleft-focused organization, Smile Train, shared the inspiring story of Jary during its Philippine premiere at the Power Plant Mall Cinema. Smile Train empowers local medical professionals and provides training, funding and resources to empower local medical professionals in 75-plus countries to provide 100-percent free cleft surgery and other forms of essential cleft care in their communities. In the Philippines, Smile Train has supported more than 80,000 cleft surgeries, as well as the delivery of vital non-surgical cleft care, over the past 20-plus years.

After the screening, Miss Universe 2018 and Smile Train Global Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray moderated a panel discussion with Grimares and Filipino producer Elaine Bobadilla. The film’s director, Gambino, and her husband, Neal Broffman — who also served as the film’s cinematographer and editor — also shared a special video message on their experience creating the film. Also in attendance were Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishna Gravidez and Miss Universe Philippines 2006 Lia Andrea Ramos Moss.

Every Day After provides a more nuanced look at the complexities of the healing process we don’t often see. More than showing health inequity around the world, the filmmakers wanted to show the real stories of cleft lip and palate patients, their families and communities. More importantly, this film educates and raises awareness about this condition, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and promoting understanding and empathy towards those who live with it,” Gambino explained.

She added: “We hope that this film not only inspires more meaningful conversations about clefts but also drives more people to act and help patients in need of support and treatment. Every Day After is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”