First Light, the Tagalog-language debut feature by Filipino-Australian filmmaker James J. Robinson, will represent Australia in the Best International Feature Film race at the 2027 Oscars.
Australia has selected First Light as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards, The Hollywood Reporter announced. The selection marks two firsts: First Light is the first official Filipino-Australian co-production and the first Tagalog-language film Australia has submitted to the Oscars.
The Australian selection committee described Robinson’s feature debut as a meditative film that leaves “an indelible mark,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. It’s Australia’s 18th submission in the category. Only one Australian film, Tanna, has received a nomination, while none has won.
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What Is First Light About?
As Lifestyle Asia previously reported, First Light follows Sister Yolanda, an elderly nun whose faith is tested following the suspicious death of a young construction worker in a remote mountain community. Her search for answers leads her into a world shaped by crime, corruption, and institutional power.
The film stars veteran Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz alongside Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz, Kidlat Tahimik, and Kare Adea. It was shot across Rizal province and Metro Manila with support from Screen Australia, the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and VicScreen.
In an earlier exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, Robinson spoke about making the film as a way to examine his evolving relationship with Catholicism and reconnect with his Filipino heritage. The filmmaker grew up in Australia and traveled to the Philippines to research the story, learn Tagalog, and spend time in the communities where the film would take shape.
First Light premiered at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival before screening in Marrakech and Rotterdam. Its selection places the distinctly Filipino story on another international stage, this time under the Australian flag.
The shortlist for Best International Feature Film will be announced on December 15, followed by the five official nominees on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14, 2027.
Banner photo courtesy of First Light
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Australia selected First Light as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Yes. First Light is the first Tagalog-language film Australia has submitted for the Best International Feature Film category.
First Light follows Sister Yolanda, an elderly nun whose faith is tested after a young construction worker dies under suspicious circumstances. Her search for answers draws her into a world of crime, corruption, and institutional power.
The film stars Ruby Ruiz, Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz, Kidlat Tahimik, and Kare Adea.
The Best International Feature Film shortlist will be announced on December 15, followed by the five nominees on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14, 2027.
