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First Light

Directed by James J. Robinson
Philippines
2025
118 mins

Synopsis

A nun’s suspicion of foul play in her community sparks a crisis of faith in this transcendent debut from Filipino-Australian James J. Robinson.

Sister Yolanda (Ruby Ruiz) leads a peaceful, pious life in a mountainous convent in northern Luzon. Lending her services to the local hospital, she acts as a spiritual balm to the sick and dying. Reading a young man his last rites following a tragic construction accident, she begins to suspect foul play. Uncovering a trail of corruption that implicates both the community’s wealthy elite as well as her treasured Church, Sister Yolanda is left in a challenging moral quandary, calling her to act. Winning over audiences at MIFF (Best Australian Director Award) and Rotterdam, and shot in masterful, painterly tableaux that showcase Robinson’s background in photography, First Light announces the arrival of an exciting new directorial talent.

“Quietly assured. Robinson’s confident handling of style and substance mark him out as a filmmaker of promise”
Allan Hunter, Screen International

Tickets

Sun 7 June 2026, 5:15pm
Sydney Opera House Playhouse
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Tue 9 June 2026, 8:45pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1
Relaxed EventAssisted ListeningWheelchair
  • Program Strand
    Features
  • Year
    2025
  • Classification
    Unclassified 15+
  • Country
    Philippines, Australia
  • Language
    In Tagalog with English subtitles
  • Director
    James J. Robinson
  • Producer
    Gabrielle Pearson, Jane Pe Aguirre, Christelle Lou Dychangco
  • Cast
    Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Kare Adea
  • Screenwriter
    James J. Robinson
  • Cinematographer
    Amy Dellar
  • Editor
    Geri Docherty
  • Genre
    Asia, Australian, Award Winner, Politics, Women’s Stories
  • Premiere
    NSW Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Australian Distributor: Bonsai Films
  • Official Website
    Visit

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