First Light (film)
| First Light | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | James J Robinson |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by | James J Robinson |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Ana Roxanne |
| Cinematography | Amy Dellar |
| Edited by | Geri Docherty |
Production company |
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| Distributed by | Bonsai Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 118 minutes |
| Country |
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| Language | Tagalog |
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First Light is an upcoming 2025 Filipino–Australian drama film written and directed by James J Robinson in his feature debut.
The film stars Ruby Ruiz, Kare Adea, Maricel Soriano, Emmanuel Santos, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz, and Kidlat Tahimik. It is scheduled to premiere in competition in the Bright Horizons section at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival, where Robinson is nominated for the Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director Award.[1][2][3]
Premise
Set in a decaying convent in the mountains of Luzon, the film follows Sister Yolanda, a middle-aged Catholic nun whose faith is shaken by a tragic accident. As pressure mounts from the Church and state to suppress the truth, she finds herself questioning the institution she has devoted her life to. The story explores themes of spiritual doubt, institutional corruption, and postcolonial trauma.[4]
Cast
- Ruby Ruiz as Sister Yolanda
- Kare Adea as Sister Arlene
- Maricel Soriano as Linda
- Emmanuel Santos as Cesar
- Rez Cortez as Edward
- Soliman Cruz as Father Claridad
- Kidlat Tahimik as Farmer
- Lui Manansala as Mother Angie
Production
The film received development funding from Screen Australia in 2023, with additional production financing from VicScreen, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Clou Media Productions, and the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund.[5]
Principal photography took place on location in the Philippines in May 2024.[6]
Release
First Light is set to premiere on 10 August 2025 at the Melbourne International Film Festival, screening in competition in the Bright Horizons section. Theatrical distribution will be handled by Bonsai Films in Australia and New Zealand, with international sales managed by Independent Entertainment.[7][8]
References
- ↑ Ritman, Alex. "'Expats' Star Ruby Ruiz to Lead James J. Robinson's Directorial Debut 'First Light' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "MIFF announces nominees for Best Australian Director, Uncle Jack Charles Award". IF Magazine. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "'Expats' Star Ruby Ruiz to Lead James J. Robinson's Directorial Debut 'First Light'". Yahoo! Entertainment. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ Tabbara, Mona. "'First Light', starring Ruby Ruiz, starts shooting in the Philippines for Independent Entertainment". Screen Daily. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "Upcoming internationally-produced film features Ruby Ruiz, Maricel Soriano, Soliman Cruz, and Kidlat Tahimik". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "First Light: Ruby Ruiz headlines Australian-Filipino co-produced film". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "'Expats' Star Ruby Ruiz to Lead James J. Robinson's Directorial Debut 'First Light' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ↑ "Bright Horizons Retrospective Celebrates the Ones to Watch". SBS. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
External links
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