‘First Light’: How a Filipino story became Australia’s Oscar entry

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino story will represent Australia in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.

Australia recently selected “First Light,” the feature debut of Filipino-Australian filmmaker James J. Robinson, as its official Oscars submission — marking the first time the country is sending a film shot in the Philippines with a predominantly Filipino cast and told largely in Tagalog to compete in the category.

The Filipino-Australian co-production is headlined by veteran actress Ruby Ruiz, alongside Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez and National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik.

Shot mainly in Rizal province, ‘First Light’ tells the story of a nun whose faith is tested and shaken after a devastating incident at a mountain convent.

The Australian selection committee said in a statement: “The Australian selection committee are proud to select ‘First Light,’ a meditative work about an aging woman who questions her faith as her world begins to crumble around her, leaving an indelible mark. An impressive debut that is a shining example of Australian filmmaking.”

Ruby (as Sister Yolanda) on her film as Oscar entry: ‘I feel overwhelming joy and gratitude!’

Australia’s previous submissions have included Warwick Thornton’s Warlpiri-language “Samson & Delilah” and Bentley Dean and Martin Butler’s “Tanna,” the latter becoming the country’s first film nominated in the Best International Feature Film category.

Ruby, who plays the lead role of Sister Yolanda, said the news came as a surprise.

“(I feel) overwhelming joy and gratitude! I did not expect this at all, I thought we were just dreaming, dreaming too big!” she told The STAR.

Asked what message this development sends to the Philippine film community, she added, “We should encourage more collaborations across nations. Good storytelling is universal, stories about faith, awakening and equality cut across different cultures. And regardless of language differences, filmmaking is a visual language understood everywhere, anywhere in the world.”

“First Light” follows Sister Yolanda, an aging nun whose faith is challenged following a devastating incident at a remote mountain convent in the Philippines. The film explores such themes as “spiritual doubt, institutional corruption and postcolonial trauma” as her convictions are tested by what unfolds around her.

According to Filipino co-producer Christelle Lou Dychangco of Clou Media Productions, the film’s selection is especially significant because of how strongly rooted the project remains in the Philippines despite representing Australia.

“To have a Filipino story, made in the Philippines with a Filipino cast, now representing Australia, (there’s) always a bigger lesson to be learned beyond life’s ‘failures’,” she said.

The Cebuana first-time producer candidly explained that she initially felt that the film “failed” in the Philippines because it didn’t even last a week in the local cinemas.

“But then came our Australian theatrical (run). Five weeks in cinemas! That blew my mind.

“Proud to be waving both countries. Proud of this first-time collaboration between the Philippines and Australia.”

Dychangco told The STAR that preparations are underway for the expected intense Oscars campaign in North America.

“The Australian government and our partners have been so supportive from the start, which we’re really grateful for. We’re now gearing up for our North American campaign in the next few months with our team in Australia and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. A few things are still being finalized, so I’ll have to keep some  of it under wraps for now. But we’re very excited.”

“First Light” also marks Robinson’s first writing and directorial venture. He previously worked on editorial projects for publications such as The New York Times, Vogue and GQ, as well as campaigns for international brands.

Meanwhile, “First Light” had already built an international festival track record. At the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival, Robinson received the $50,000 Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director Award from a jury headed by “Aftersun” filmmaker Charlotte Wells. It also competed at the Marrakech International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Étoile d’Or, before screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Shanghai International Film Festival, Glasgow Film Festival and New Zealand International Film Festival.

It was also runner-up for the GIO Audience Award for Best Australian Film at the 2026 Sydney Film Festival.

Produced by Gabrielle Pearson of Majella Productions and Dychangco and Jane Pe Aguirre of Clou Media Productions, the film had principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund.

It was also financed with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and VicScreen. UK-based Independent Entertainment handles international sales.

Cinematographer Amy Dellar shot the film primarily in Rizal, while Fil-Am ambient composer Ana Roxanne provided the score.

During its Philippine theatrical run, the production also partnered with nonprofit impact organization Sustina to help conservation efforts at the Masungi Georeserve, located in the same province where the film was primarily shot.

“First Light” opened in Philippine cinemas through Clou Media Productions last June and was released in Australia by Bonsai Films last July.