“A story of courage, connection, and transformation. This is not just about cancer. It’s about life.”
Empower is a powerful, real-life documentary that follows the journeys of individuals diagnosed with cancer as they move from fear and isolation toward connection, healing, and empowerment. Set within the context of the Prostate Cancer–Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) and CancerPEP (CancerPEP.com), this film captures the emotional complexity of diagnosis and survivorship — while revealing how community, routine, and human connection can profoundly impact recovery and resilience.
Told through the voices of courageous patients, compassionate partners, and dedicated healthcare providers, Empower offers a deeply moving window into what it means to show up — for oneself and for others — even in life’s most uncertain moments.
This documentary is for anyone who has been touched by cancer. It’s for caregivers, clinicians, families, and the countless people searching for hope, purpose, and a way forward.
NOW STREAMING
To request access to a private screening of the full documentary, and Presentation of this work with Panel discussion, please contact us at:
📩 info@cancerpep.com
Finalist at the Mosaic International Film Festivaland Official Selection at CineHealth Film Festival, Empower is a moving documentary that follows four cancer survivors and the creators of the Patient Empowerment Program (PEP). More than a film, it’s a story of resilience, humanity, and community—showing how simple daily practices like movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and connection can transform lives.
“It left me feeling
joyous about the possibility of an enlightened approach to cancer treatment becoming a reality.”
— Gary R. Renard, Best-selling author of The Disappearance of the Universe
“This film should be required viewing in every medical school.”
— NS Health Physician
“Watching Empower deeply moved me in ways I didn’t expect… It reminds us that true recovery isn’t just about medicine—it’s about connection, empowerment, and being seen.”
— Anita Moorjani, NYT Best-selling Author, Cancer Survivor
“It tapped into all my emotions — tears, laughter, fear, and love… a groundbreaking idea that healing includes more than medicine.”
— Colleen Jones, CBC Broadcaster
“This is what healthcare needs. Connection. Compassion. A model of true patient-centred care.”
— Hospital Foundation Leader
Radiation Oncologist, Associate Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and co-founder of the PEP programs (PCPEP.org, CancerPEP.com, PictouCountyPEP.org), Dr. Rutledge has spent over 30 years supporting people facing cancer diagnoses. His compassionate, humanistic approach to care inspired the creation of this program — and this film.
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine’s Endowed Soillse Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research and co-creator of the PEP programs (PCPEP.org, CancerPEP.com, PictouCountyPEP.org). Dr. Ilie’s dedication to evidence-based, whole-person care and her expertise in psychosocial oncology helped bring this vision to life.
Drew J. McQuinn is a documentary filmmaker and television editor based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is the co-producer and director of Empowered: The Patient Empowerment Program, created in partnership with Edward Boyce of AHOY! Productions. The film shares the inspiring stories behind the PEP program. Drew’s passion lies in video editing for television and telling authentic stories that uplift people and promote positive change. Empowered is his first documentary and has sparked a deep love for documentary filmmaking. A former banker turned filmmaker, Drew’s background blends environmental advocacy, outdoor activity, and a love of storytelling.
Edward Boyce is the Director of Ahoy! Productions and an independent documentary filmmaker who has been working in film and video for 25 years. He is the co-producer of Empowered: The Patient Empowerment Program alongside J. Drew McQuinn. Some career highlights include having a short film in competition at The Sundance Film Festival, shooting a feature documentary in Malawi, and being a longtime camera person for renowned meditation teacher Pema Chodron. Eddie is a lifelong surfer, skateboarder and snowboarder, and at 51 he’s still chasing those few fleeting moments of effortless style that he’s lucked into along the way.
If you represent a hospital foundation, cancer centre, community health organization, or podcast/media platform, we invite you to partner with us:
📩 To explore partnership opportunities or schedule an info session, please email us at info@cancerpep.com.
