Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

After making waves at international film festivals around the world, the Australian-Filipino film &quot;First Light&quot; is finally set to be screened commercially in the Philippines.Veteran actress Ruby Ruiz, who portrays Sister Yolanda in the film, expressed her excitement over the long-awaited local release, saying she is eager for Filipino audiences to finally experience the movie that has already garnered attention overseas. “I’m so happy, so proud that finally, the film First Light, which toured several festivals around the world, is now here to be watched by the Filipino audience,” Ruiz said.According to Ruiz, First Light tells the story of a mother’s awakening and realization of the realities surrounding her, a narrative she believes will resonate deeply with viewers.“It’s about the awakening of a mother who, for me, is like a normal Filipino. She’s not that smart, but she feels it. She sees what’s wrong and right,” she shared.The actress added that while the story is set largely within a convent, the film explores larger social themes that mirror present-day realities.“Maraming parallelism sa nangyayari sa atin ngayon. If our Filipino audience can see and appreciate that, that is more than enough,” she said. Ruiz also revealed the extensive process behind the film’s production, which took several years to complete. The project underwent approximately a year of pre-production, six months of filming, and another year in post-production before embarking on an international festival run.The film had its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival before screening in Marrakesh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, Shanghai, Sydney, and other international festivals. For Ruiz, First Light became a deeply personal project that strengthened her faith and challenged her perspective on religion and spirituality.“It reinforced and reappeared my faith in God in a different way,” she explained. “It’s about awakening vis-à-vis faith, belief in religion, belief in God, and the dilemma between those things. I think we all go through that.” The role also marked a departure from her previous performances, requiring a more restrained and subtle acting approach.“This is my first nun role. It’s also very restrained acting because that is the rhythm of the film,” she said. Having seen audiences abroad embrace the film, Ruiz admitted she is curious to witness how Filipinos will respond to the story.“This is the first time that I’m going to watch it again here. Gusto ko ring maramdaman kung ano ang pulso ng sarili nating mga Pilipino,” she said.Ruiz likewise took the opportunity to invite moviegoers to support the film, describing it as the first Australian-Filipino collaboration to receive a commercial theatrical release in the country. “You can catch this film, First Light, the first Australian-Filipino collaboration,” she announced. “It’s going to be shown commercially in selected theaters like Power Plant Mall, Gateway, Trinoma, Fairview Mall, Ayala Malls, and some SM Cinema theaters.”The actress also praised the Australian filmmakers she worked with, describing them as warm, energetic, and highly receptive to Filipino culture. “They’re one of the warmest people. They’re very young, very flexible, and very open to our culture,” Ruiz said. “Para silang laging nagpa-party habang ako seryoso-seryoso doon sa role ko.”With its themes of faith, awakening, and social consciousness, First Light now hopes to connect with Filipino audiences after earning recognition on the global stage.<div> </div>

After making waves at international film festivals around the world, the Australian-Filipino film "First Light" is finally set to be screened commercially in the Philippines.

After making waves at international film festivals around the world, the Australian-Filipino film "First Light" is finally set to be screened commercially in the Philippines.

Ruby Ruiz excited as 'First Light' finally premieres in PH

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Ruby Ruiz excited as 'First Light' finally premieres in PH

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 22, 2026 12:08 AM PHT

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Ruby Ruiz

First Light

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