Vancouver, Canada, 2025 March 19 — Filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Trixie Pacis crafted the powerful documentary Ahon to bridge two worlds that had long been disconnected: Filipino culture and the Canadian outdoors. A personal story of identity, community, and belonging, the film shines a light on the Filipino-Canadian experience, all while celebrating the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
The spark for Ahon came from a simple yet profound encounter with the K8 Mountaineering Club of Alberta, whose mission to support Filipino immigrants in accessing Canada’s mountains resonated deeply with Trixie. As a Filipina-Canadian, she knew first-hand the challenges that come with straddling two cultures. Despite her love for the outdoors, she saw few Filipino stories represented in outdoor media. Inspired by the club’s work, she felt compelled to tell a story that would not only showcase Filipino-Canadian lives but also the power of the outdoors to unite and transform.
“There is a strong sense of responsibility to share Filipino stories, especially in spaces where they are often absent,” she says. Ahon was born from this responsibility — a narrative that reflects her journey navigating multiple identities while highlighting the contributions and struggles of immigrants seeking their place in a new world.
The film, which features an entirely Filipino-Canadian cast and crew, also presented its own set of challenges. While there is no shortage of talented Filipino Canadians in the film industry, finding those with the specific mountaineering experience required for the project proved to be no easy task. Nevertheless, a passionate and skilled team was assembled, including co-producer Leonard Maglalang, cinematographer Carlo Alcos, and several others who brought their expertise and cultural understanding to the film. For Trixie, the collaboration was crucial to making Ahon an authentic and impactful story.
In Ahon, the Canadian Rockies play a central role, not only as a backdrop but also as a metaphor for the immigrant experience. The mountains, with their rugged terrain and towering peaks, symbolize the personal and cultural challenges immigrants must overcome to find a sense of belonging. The film draws powerful parallels between the physical challenges of mountaineering and the internal struggles of navigating identity in a new land. Through stunning cinematography, the vast, unforgiving landscape becomes a character in its own right, highlighting the perseverance and strength required to endure both external and internal challenges.
K8’s mission to provide education, access to equipment, and a supportive community for Filipinos interested in exploring the outdoors aligns deeply with the themes of Ahon. The club’s philosophy — “If you know, you have the responsibility to share it” — serves as the cornerstone of the film’s narrative. For the filmmaker, this message resonates on a personal level as well, embodying her belief that stories of identity and community should be shared, especially when they can empower others.
“The mountains are more than just a setting in the film,” she explains. “They represent the journey of overcoming both physical and emotional barriers. Our culture and community are what help us navigate these challenges. They are intertwined.”
While the physical demands of mountaineering and ice climbing in the film were undeniably intense, it was crucial to ensure that the emotional depth of the story was equally represented. The film seamlessly balances the technical challenges of the outdoor world with poignant cultural stories, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level.
The film’s world premiere at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) marked a significant milestone in Filipino-Canadian representation within the outdoor film space. With the support of the VIMFF Film Grant presented by Arc’teryx, Ahon was able to reach a wider audience, and its success reflects a growing trend of diverse perspectives being welcomed into the outdoor film festival circuit. As more filmmakers from marginalized backgrounds are given opportunities to share their stories, Ahon sets a precedent for future Filipino voices in the genre.
“I hope Ahon sparks curiosity about Filipino culture and encourages compassion among diverse audiences,” Trixie reflects. “I believe the more we share our stories, the more we connect with others.”
For aspiring Filipino-Canadian filmmakers, her advice is simple yet powerful: “Be bold. Find collaborators who share your passion and embark on that grand adventure. Enjoy the journey.”
Ahon stands as a beacon for underrepresented voices in the outdoor film world, proving that Filipino-Canadian stories have a place on the big screen — and in the mountains that have shaped them.
Please discover Trixie’s other outstanding works and follow her updated journey on her website and Instagram!
Instagram: trixie_
Website: https://www.trixiepacis.com/
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
(MBB)
