Growing up in Masbate Province in the Philippines, Jary is neglected and shunned since the moment of his birth for one reason-- his appearance.
His older sister, Jessa protects Jary through his early years, then takes him in as a young teen, to raise him alongside her own two children in a fragile house on a hill. Jessa seeks out the medical care Jary has been denied since birth. And more, the support to begin his physical and emotional recovery.
Every Day After is a 35-minute documentary that provides a more nuanced look at the complexities of the healing process we don't often see. And honors the invisible labor of a sister whose love and action make it possible for Jary to experience the everyday joys and struggles of growing up.
We chose to make this film in black and white because it strips the images down. Color can be distracting; black and white forces the viewer to focus on composition, movement, and emotion. It provides an opportunity to step into Jessa and Jary's world without distractions.