Multi-award-winning Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz has taken on her first significant screen role since appearing in Amazon’s ‘Expats’. She will lead ‘First Light’, the feature directorial debut of James J. Robinson, which is currently in production as an Australian-Filipino co-production with funding from Screen Australia.
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, ‘First Light’ follows the death of a young construction worker, forcing an elderly nun to confront the complex ethics of the institution she has dedicated her life to. The script, also written by Robinson, is a deeply personal exploration of duty, faith, and institutional power.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including veteran actress Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz, and Kidlat Tahimik. It is produced by Gabrielle Pearson through her outfit Majella Productions, alongside Christelle Dychangco from Clou Media Productions and Jane Pe Aguirre, one of the Philippines’ most respected and longest-working producers.
‘First Light’ is supported by Screen Australia in association with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Clou Media Productions, the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, and VicScreen. Independent Entertainment will handle global sales, excluding Australia and New Zealand, where Bonsai Films will distribute the film theatrically.