By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published January 16, 2025.

When the 2023 documentary Nurse Unseen premiered in Dallas-Fort Worth on Jan 11, it was met with both emotional resonance and critical acclaim.

Directed by Michele Josue, an Emmy-winning filmmaker, the film delves into the untold stories of Filipino nurses in the United States, particularly their sacrifices and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This groundbreaking documentary not only sheds light on the Filipino American community but also challenges societal perceptions of healthcare workers who have often been overlooked.

Filipino nurses have long been an integral part of the U.S. healthcare system. As noted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, over 150,000 Filipino nurses work in the United States today. Their journey is rooted in a history of U.S. colonial rule in the Philippines, which established English-based nursing programs that continue to produce a steady stream of highly skilled professionals. Nurse Unseen weaves this historical context into its narrative, connecting the past to the present-day realities of systemic inequities and cultural biases faced by Filipino nurses.

The documentary paints a vivid picture of the personal and professional challenges these nurses endure. Interviews with frontline workers reveal heartbreaking stories of exhaustion, fear, and discrimination during the pandemic. Filipino nurses made up a disproportionate number of COVID-19-related deaths in the healthcare field, a grim statistic that underscores their significant yet undervalued role in combating the crisis. According to Josue, the film is not just about their resilience but also about the institutional failures that left them vulnerable.

The DFW screening of Nurse Unseen was particularly poignant for the area’s large Filipino-American community. Dallas-Fort Worth is home to a vibrant and growing population of Filipino Americans, many of whom are healthcare workers. The event brought together local leaders, healthcare professionals, and community advocates who recognized the importance of amplifying these voices. As reported by KERA News, the screening also included a panel discussion where audience members shared their personal experiences, further deepening the film’s impact.

Critics have praised the documentary for its emotional depth and storytelling. The Black Cape magazine described it as “an ode to Filipino nurses and a warning to bigoted Americans.” The film highlights not only the heroism of these workers but also the systemic racism and xenophobia that persists in the healthcare industry. For many viewers, Nurse Unseen serves as a call to action to address these injustices and advocate for better protections and recognition for all healthcare workers.

One of the documentary’s most compelling aspects is its ability to humanize the statistics. Through personal stories, the audience learns about the sacrifices of individuals who left their families behind in the Philippines to pursue careers in the United States, only to face grueling working conditions and cultural isolation. These narratives resonate deeply, especially with those who have witnessed the pandemic’s toll firsthand.

The documentary’s Dallas-Fort Worth premiere is part of a broader tour aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue. The film is next expected to appear at the Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival and screenings in major cities like New York.

Beyond its emotional and social impact, Nurse Unseen also serves as a reminder of the power of representation in media. By centering the experiences of Filipino nurses, the documentary challenges mainstream narratives and underscores the importance of diversity in storytelling. 

Visit the Nurse Unseen website for future screenings,