Ruby Ruiz, star of “Expats,” to direct James J. Robinson’s feature debut, “First Light” (EXCLUSIVE)

Ruby Ruiz, a multi-award-winning Filipina actress, has scored her first significant role on TV after starring in Amazon’s series “Expats.” She will take the lead in James J. Robinson’s feature directorial debut, “First Light.”

The Australian-Filipino co-production, which has support from Screen Australia, is now in principal shooting. The ensemble is completed by seasoned actress Maricel Soriano (“Mother Nanny”), Rez Cortez (“Bukal”), Soliman Cruz (“Blue Room”), and Kidlat Tahimik.

“First Light,” which is set in the isolated highlands of the Philippines, follows an old nun who is forced to face the murky morals of the organization she has devoted her life to after the murder of a young construction worker. Robinson wrote the screenplay as well. It is a very personal tale that examines the relationship between institutional authority, obligation, and religion.

“Over the last two years, creating ‘First Light’ has been an immensely profound journey into the core of pre-colonial Filipino philosophy,” Robinson said. “It will be one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life to be able to tell a story by bringing together artists from Australia and the Philippines and witness this cultural exchange in real time; it reflects a deeper journey within myself to define my identity and ancestry as a mixed-race artist.”

Produced by Gabrielle Pearson through Majella Productions, “First Light” has the support of Screen Australia in association with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Clou Media Productions, the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, and VicScreen. It also features production from Clou Media Productions’ Christelle Dychangco and Jane Pe Aguirre (“A Prayer Before Dawn”), one of the most reputable and longest-serving producers in the Philippines. Executive producers include Nick Batzias of GoodThing Productions and Virginia Whitwell (“Nitram,” “The Australian Dream”).

One of the many benefits of working on an international co-production, according to Pearson, has been learning about the confluence between Australian and Filipino working practices for our first official feature film under the Majella banner. “Recognizing how different cultures around the world can find commonalities in their experiences will pave the way for inclusive filmmaking in the future of globalist cinema while providing nuanced understanding of the human condition.”

With the exception of Australia and New Zealand, where Bonsai Films will handle theatrical distribution, Independent Entertainment has acquired the picture and will manage worldwide sales.

Robinson is a well-known Filipino-Australian photographer and filmmaker who has had a long career. He has taken pictures of some of the greatest stars in the world, such as Kylie Jenner, Sydney Sweeney, Rose Byrne, and Harris Dickinson, for magazines including Vogue Australia and The New York Times. The Brooklyn Film Festival will play his short documentary “Inang Maynila” from the Philippines, which Nowness bought. His previous short film “No Reception” was included in the TIFF x Instagram Shorts competition in 2018.

According to Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon, “‘First Light’ is a captivating blend of Filipino and Australian creativity, delving into themes of mortality, faith, and self-discovery.” “This film promises an engaging journey for audiences with its universal resonance.”