MANILA, PHILIPPINES, February 6, 2024.

Asia Society Philippines (“ASP”) hosted an exclusive sit-down dinner, in collaboration with the Australian Embassy, Majella Productions, and Manila House Private Club—to serve as the occasion to present and announce an upcoming full-length feature film, “First Light,” written and directed by Filipino-Australian writer James J. Robinson.
 
Made possible through a grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), “First Light” is an undertaking made more meaningful by the fact of its occurrence on the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia.

The program opened with a message from the National Artist for Film, Kidlat Tahimik, who highlighted the film’s themes and their significance in today’s society. Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy, speaking on behalf of Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust), expressed their gratitude to Asia Society Philippines and their partners, noting with optimism the fruitful and longstanding relationship between Australia and the Philippines. Echoing these themes, Asia Society Philippines Trustee and President and Executive Director of the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc, Ms Mercedes “Cedie” Lopez-Vargas noted the “three C’s” that made the event possible: “connection,” acknowledging the introduction made by Asia Society Australia to the ASP team and, eventually, Majella Productions; “collaboration,” underscoring the cooperation between the ASP team and Majella Productions that made the event possible; and lastly, “convening,” as shown by the attendance and coming together of ASP’s friends, network, and community, guests from the film, arts, and culture industry.

James J. Robinson, writer and director of “First Light,” shared a heartfelt story about how his personal experiences and the people around him—including the serendipitous and auspicious encounters—inspired and led to the creation of this film. Nick Batzias, the film’s Executive Producer closed the program by thanking everyone who attended the event and the people who made the launch possible.
 
Set against the backdrop of the misty mountains in the Philippines, “First Light” revolves around an elderly nun who, after an unexpected tragedy, begins to question the religious order she dutifully dedicated her life to. “First Light” not only promises to captivate audiences worldwide, but it also signifies an important collaboration and exchange of cultures that transcends borders, ushering in a new era in the cinematic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
Asia Society Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to and support of these kinds of initiatives as part of its dedication to promoting a deeper understanding between Asia and the West, navigating shared futures around the themes of sustainability, technology, policy and business, education, and arts and culture.
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If you are interested to know how to support "First Light", please contact:
Gabrielle Pearson
Producer, Majella Productions
Email: [email protected] | Mobile: +61 423 475 986
 
Jane Pe Aguirre
Producer, Philippines
Email: [email protected] | Mobile: +63 917 891 0388