AUSTRALIA has selected Filipino-Australian-produced film “First Light” as its entry to the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Oscars, making it the country’s first Filipino language submission to the prestigious awards program.
The Australian Oscar selection committee described the thriller-drama — which marks the directorial debut of Filipino-Australian filmmaker James J. Robinson — as “an impressive debut that is a shining example of Australian filmmaking,” as per The Hollywood Reporter.
The movie follows the story of a nun, portrayed by Filipino actress Ruby Ruiz, who confronts the “muddled ethics” of a religious institution after the death of a young construction worker.
Aside from Ruiz, other cast members include Maricel Soriano, Kare Adea, Rez Corte and Kidlat Tahimik.
“First Light” was produced by Majella Productions and Clou Media Productions. The film was featured in several international film festivals, including the Melbourne International Film Festival, New Zealand International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Marrakech International Film Festival and Glasgow Film Festival.
Meanwhile, the Film Academy of the Philippines earlier shortlisted eight films as contenders for the country’s official entry to the Oscars. The official entry has yet to be announced as of this writing. (Anne Pasajol © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
