Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Marrakech International Film Festival, director James J. Robinson and actress Ruby Ruiz unveiled a deeply layered work through their new film First Light. Their conversation revealed multiple narrative and symbolic layers, going beyond mere storytelling to explore the human and spiritual dimensions at the heart of the film.
Robinson explains that many of the women in his life—particularly his mother and late aunt—directly inspired the film. His complicated relationship with Catholicism also drove him to seek a narrative angle through which he could confront and understand his own faith. This led to the creation of Grace, the central character, who embarks on a journey of realization: she comes to understand that her community does not practice religion as she does, framed within a narrative that places faith against systemic corruption.
🟢Competition "First Light" : Director James J. Robinson , and actress Ruby Ruiz. #Marrakechfestival
🟢 المسابقة الرسمية "الضوء الأول" : المخرج جيمس ج. روبنسون, والممثلة روبي رويز. #مهرجان_مراكش
©️Omar_Hamdane pic.twitter.com/h1fytBQG2c
— Marrakech Film Festival (@Marrakech_Fest) December 2, 2025
Ruby Ruiz reflected on her experience acting in the film, noting that immersing herself in the story was not difficult, thanks to a location chosen by the director that was both enigmatic and captivating. Her background in photography allowed her to view each shot as an image capable of telling an entire story, making every scene deliberate and meticulously crafted.
Visually, the film is defined by a broad cinematic language, with Robinson giving actors the use of their entire bodies to express meaning, not just their faces. This approach, enhanced by Ruby Ruiz’s theatrical experience, transforms the body into a full-fledged narrative tool, often expressing what words do not, revealing hidden layers of significance. Furthermore, the connection of the story to nature adds an additional spiritual dimension: mountains, rustling leaves, and wind become integral to the cinematic and emotional experience, drawing the audience into the narrative itself.
First Light is therefore not merely a film about a nun or corruption, but a complete cinematic experience, combining precise cinematography, profound theatrical performance, and philosophical exploration of faith, offering viewers a window into contemporary human questions with subtle yet powerful artistry.
