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First Light

Play trailer Poster for First Light 2025 1h 58m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 11 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, the death of a young construction worker forces an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to.

Critics Reviews

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Nikki Gemmell The Australian Jul 7
4.5/5
For a debut feature, this is an astonishingly confident production; rich with ideas and grandeur. Go to Full Review Jim Schembri jimschembri.com 5d
3/5
Set at a leisurely pace with some beautiful cinematography graced by natural lighting and verdant landscapes, debut writer/director James J Robinson does a strong job teasing out the good Sister's inner turmoil. Go to Full Review Andiee Paviour Nobody's Reading This But Me 5d
4/5
Writer-director James J. Robinson’s contemplative feature debut turns a penetrating gaze on matters of faith. Go to Full Review Flynn Shan Benson FILMINK (Australia) Jul 7
11/20
... if the story itself is uninspiring, Robinson, who previously worked as a photographer and music video director, brings a precise vision to the cinematography. Go to Full Review David Griffiths Subculture Entertainment Jul 7
4/5
A beautiful debut film from James J. Robinson. The themes explored are deep but Robinson has his own subtle way of bringing it to the screen. There is doubt after watching First Light Robinson has a big career ahead of him. Go to Full Review Nadine Whitney The Curb Jun 3
4.5/5
First Light is a marvel, profound in theme and style, a work of art that is so revelatory and mature. James J. Robinson is a precious and precocious talent that Australia must nurture as he revolutionises what Australian film can be. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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James J. Robinson

Director

Ruby Ruiz

Actor

Kare Adea

Actor

Maricel Soriano

Actor

Emmanuel Santos

Actor

Soliman Cruz

Actor
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First Light

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Movie Info

Synopsis Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, the death of a young construction worker forces an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to.
Director
James J. Robinson
Producer
Gabrielle Pearson, Christelle Dychangco, Jane Aguirre
Screenwriter
James J. Robinson
Production Co
GoodThing Productions, Majella Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Filipino
Runtime
1h 58m