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On June 20th, 2025, SMILE Canada proudly hosted a special, Canadian Premiere screening of Facing the Falls at the iconic TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. A powerful documentary following the extraordinary journey of Cara Yar Khan, an international disability rights advocate and United Nations humanitarian, as she embarks on a demanding 12-day expedition through the Grand Canyon while living with a rare muscle-wasting disease.
The event wasn’t just a film screening, it was a space for reflection, and conversation about disability, advocacy, and where communities can work to be more accessible. Following the screening, guests were invited to an engaging fireside chat featuring Cara Yar Khan herself and Rayhan Azmat, disability advocate and Vice President at Cineplex. Together, they unpacked the film’s central themes and shared deeply personal insights on what it means to navigate life, leadership, and advocacy with disability.
What made the evening truly special was the atmosphere of warmth and belonging that filled the theatre. From families and service providers to disability advocates and community partners, the audience reflected the kind of inclusive, supportive community that SMILE strives to foster every day.
In addition to the powerful conversations, the event also had a purpose beyond the screen. Proceeds from ticket sales went directly to supporting children with disabilities and their families, many of whom face daily barriers to accessing essential healthcare and support services.
Facing the Falls is more than a film; it’s a call to action. It asks us to re-examine the spaces we create, the stories we uplift, and the work that still needs to be done to build a more accessible, compassionate society for all.
We extend our deepest thanks to Cara Yar Khan for her courage and honesty, to Rayhan Azmat for his advocacy, to our dedicated SMILE team, volunteers, and to every community member who joined us that evening. Together, we showed that when a community gathers to listen and learn, real change begins.