A Nun wearing a light blue habit overlooks a green field while clutching a white bag.

First Light + Q&A Sydney Film Festival

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 118 minutes, plus 20 minute Q&A Subject to change
  • Seating map

A crisis of faith in a remote Filipino convent

Philippines | 2025 | Tagalog | Drama | Unclassified 15+

A nun’s suspicion of foul play in her community sparks a crisis of faith in this transcendent debut from Filipino-Australian James J. Robinson.

Sister Yolanda (Ruby Ruiz) leads a peaceful, pious life in a mountainous convent in northern Luzon. Lending her services to the local hospital, she acts as a spiritual balm to the sick and dying. Reading a young man his last rites following a tragic construction accident, she begins to suspect foul play. Uncovering a trail of corruption that implicates both the community’s wealthy elite as well as her treasured Church, Sister Yolanda is left in a challenging moral quandary, calling her to act. Winning over audiences at MIFF (Best Australian Director Award) and Rotterdam and shot in masterful, painterly tableaux that showcase Robinson’s background in photography, First Light announces the arrival of an exciting new directorial talent.

This special screening will also include a live Q&A.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Film Festival

Event details

Quietly assured. Robinson’s confident handling of style and substance mark him out as a filmmaker of promise

Allan Hunter, Screen International

Cast and credits

Sister Yolanda Ruby Ruiz
Father Claridad Soliman Cruz
Sister Arlene Kare Adea

Director & Screenwriter James J. Robinson
Producer Gabrielle Pearson
Producer Jane Pe Aguirre
Producer Christelle Lou Dychangco
Cinematographer Amy Dellar
Editor Geri Docherty

Australian Distributor Bonsai Films

You may also like

Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

Checking availability