# James J. Robinson

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**James J. Robinson** (born July 12, 1995)[1] is an Australian-Filipino filmmaker and photographer known for his work in publications such as *[Vogue Australia](/source/Vogue_Australia)*, *[GQ Australia](/source/GQ_Australia)*, and *[Wonderland](/source/Wonderland_(magazine))*.[2][3][4] His photography often explores themes of identity, representation, and nostalgia, earning recognition for its cinematic and evocative style.[5]

Robinson's work spans editorial, commercial, and fine art photography, as well as filmmaking. His protest photography piece *Burn the Blazer* (2021), critiquing the culture of hypermasculinity in his old school [St Kevin’s College](/source/St_Kevin's_College,_Melbourne), made national headlines and sparked widespread cultural commentary.[6][7]

Robinson's debut feature film as a writer and director, *[First Light](/source/First_Light_(2025_film))*, had its world premiere at the [Melbourne International Film Festival](/source/Melbourne_International_Film_Festival) in 2025.[8][9] He was awarded Best Australian Director by an independent jury at the festival for his work on the film.[10]

## Early life

James J. Robinson was born and raised in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs to a Filipino mother and an Australian father.[5]

Robinson attended [St. Kevin's College](/source/St_Kevin's_College,_Melbourne), a Catholic all-boys school in Melbourne.[6] He has spoken about the challenges he faced during his time there, citing instances of systemic homophobia and racism within the school's culture. These formative experiences influenced his perspectives on identity and representation as an artist.[11]

Robinson went on to study film at [Swinburne University of Technology](/source/Swinburne_University_of_Technology).[1][5]

## Career

After graduating, Robinson moved to New York.[12] In New York, he began photographing for publications including *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*, *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*, *[Vogue Australia](/source/Vogue_Australia)*, *[GQ Australia](/source/GQ_Australia)*, *[Refinery29](/source/Refinery29)*, *[Gay Times](/source/Gay_Times)* and *[Wonderland](/source/Wonderland_(magazine))*.[13][14][15][16][17] His editorial work is known for its cinematic lighting style, which is photographed on film.[18]

Robinson has collaborated with celebrities, including [Kylie Jenner](/source/Kylie_Jenner), [Sydney Sweeney](/source/Sydney_Sweeney), [Shania Twain](/source/Shania_Twain), [Rose Byrne](/source/Rose_Byrne), [Tame Impala](/source/Tame_Impala), [Harris Dickinson](/source/Harris_Dickinson), [Demi Lovato](/source/Demi_Lovato) and [Lily-Rose Depp](/source/Lily-Rose_Depp).[19][13][20][21][22][23] His commercial campaigns include work for [Maison Valentino](/source/Valentino_(fashion_house)), [Apple](/source/Apple_Inc.), and [The Australian Ballet](/source/The_Australian_Ballet).[24][25][26]

Robinson has directed several short films and music videos. His 2021 short documentary, *Inang Maynila*, premiered on *[Nowness](/source/Nowness)* and screened at the [Brooklyn Film Festival](/source/Brooklyn_Film_Festival).[27][28] His debut 2022 solo exhibition, *On Golden Days*, debuted at the PHOTO 2022 festival in Melbourne, before exhibiting at Gallery Tsukigime in [Tokyo](/source/Tokyo), and then online by the [Fotografisk Centre](/source/Fotografisk_Center)'s *On The Go* program in Copenhagen.[29][30][31]

In 2021, Robinson's photograph *Kevin at Midnight* was nominated for the [National Photographic Portrait Prize](/source/National_Photographic_Portrait_Prize).[32]

Later that year, his protest photography piece *Burn the Blazer* gained national media coverage. The project, which featured an image of Robinson burning his school blazer on the school's oval, critiqued the culture of hypermasculinity and elitism in Australian same-sex schools and was reported on by *[The Age](/source/The_Age), [Herald Sun](/source/Herald_Sun), [SBS](/source/SBS_(Australian_TV_channel)), [Channel 7](/source/Seven_Network), [ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))* and *[The Australian](/source/The_Australian).*[6][7][33][34][35] The post went viral and led to *"#burntheblazer"* trending on social media.[36]

## Filmography

In 2024 production began in the Philippines on Robinson's debut feature film, *[First Light](/source/First_Light_(2025_film))*.[8] The film premiered at the [Melbourne International Film Festival](/source/Melbourne_International_Film_Festival) in 2025, where it was programmed in main competition for the Bright Horizons award. Robinson was awarded with the Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director prize for the film, deliberated by jury president [Charlotte Wells](/source/Charlotte_Wells) and fellow jury members including [Alex Ross Perry](/source/Alex_Ross_Perry), [Athina Rachel Tsangari](/source/Athina_Rachel_Tsangari) and [Nam Le](/source/Nam_Le).[10]

[The Curb](/source/The_Curb_(website))'s Andy Hazel described the film as “an astonishing debut feature,” praising Robinson’s assured direction and the film’s “painterly, evocative” visuals that "firmly announce a major new voice in Australian and Southeast Asian cinema."[37]

### Feature film

Year Title Director Writer Notes 2025 First Light Completed

### Short films

Year Title Director Writer 2021 Inang Maynila 2022 On Golden Days

### Music videos

Year Title Artist 2017 "Sense" Kllo "Catching Feelings" Mall Grab "Love Tonight" Shouse 2018 "I'm Good" Wafia "DYT" Oscar Key Sung 2021 "Prove It" Divide and Dissolve 2023 "Teeth" Mallrat "Your Love" Mallrat "Running With The Hurricane" Camp Cope

## References

1. ["James J. Robinson - Info"](http://jamespdf.com/Info). *James J. Robinson Official Website*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["James J. Robinson's 'On Golden Days' forces us to examine how we look back at the past"](https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/arts/james-j-robinsons-on-golden-days-forces-us-to-examine-how-we-look-back-at-the-past). *Vogue Australia*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Faulkner, Noelle (2020-01-20). ["Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Is Finally Ready To Embrace Fame"](https://www.gq.com.au/culture/entertainment/tame-impalas-kevin-parker-is-finally-ready-to-embrace-fame/image-gallery/a5d45ef369c6900b32808a76fbd942a5). *GQ Australia*

1. ["Sydney Sweeney Covers The Autumn 21 Issue Of Wonderland"](https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/09/10/sydney-sweeney-autumn-21-issue/). *Wonderland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230405034737/https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/09/10/sydney-sweeney-autumn-21-issue/) 2023-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Sun, Michael (2022-04-30). ["Photographer James J. Robinson"](https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/culture/visual-art/2022/04/30/photographer-james-j-robinson/165124080013775#login). *The Saturday Paper*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Juanola, Marta Pascual (2021-11-04). ["Former St Kevin's student sets blazer alight to protest 'hyper-masculine culture' in schools"](https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/former-st-kevin-s-student-sets-blazer-alight-to-protest-hyper-masculine-culture-in-schools-20211104-p595v4.html). *The Age*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241220132221/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/former-st-kevin-s-student-sets-blazer-alight-to-protest-hyper-masculine-culture-in-schools-20211104-p595v4.html) 2024-12-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Snowden, Angelica (2021-11-04). ["St Kevin's blazer burnt in protest against elite Melbourne school's culture"](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/st-kevins-blazer-burnt-in-protest-against-elite-melbourne-schools-culture/news-story/be235c8f7c867e1de8977eb8dc7903c4). *The Australian*

1. Ritman, Alex (2024-04-25). ["'Expats' Star Ruby Ruiz to Lead James J. Robinson's Directorial Debut 'First Light' (EXCLUSIVE)"](https://variety.com/2024/film/news/ruby-ruiz-first-light-james-j-robinson-1235981707/). *Variety*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250104022910/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/ruby-ruiz-first-light-james-j-robinson-1235981707/) 2025-01-04 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Tram, Jamie (2025-08-20). ["First Light is an inquiry into faith and corruption through a nun's eyes"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-20/first-light-james-robinson-miff-interview/105670348). *ABC News*. Retrieved 2025-08-27.

1. Ward, Sarah (2025-08-23). ["'A Poet' Wins MIFF's 2025 Bright Horizons Competition"](https://au.variety.com/2025/film/news/miff-award-winners-2025-26811/). *Variety Australia*. Retrieved 2025-08-27.

1. Aidone, David. ["The 'absolutely horrifying' story behind fiery Melbourne private school protest"](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/the-absolutely-horrifying-story-behind-fiery-melbourne-private-school-protest/vchmszlog). *SBS News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240503160453/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/the-absolutely-horrifying-story-behind-fiery-melbourne-private-school-protest/vchmszlog) 2024-05-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["How I Got Here: Photographer and Filmmaker James J. Robinson"](https://fashionjournal.com.au/life/how-i-got-here-james-j-robinson/). *Fashion Journal*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240227091517/https://fashionjournal.com.au/life/how-i-got-here-james-j-robinson/) 2024-02-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["The remaking of Demi Lovato: 'I am owning my dark side'"](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-08-18/demi-lovato-holy-fvck-new-album). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250104083123/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-08-18/demi-lovato-holy-fvck-new-album) 2025-01-04 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Hawgood, Alex (2018-01-26). ["Meet Jaimie Wilson, a Transgender Activist With Guitar in Hand"](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/style/jaimie-wilson-transgender-activist-musician.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN 0362-4331](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230214033204/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/style/jaimie-wilson-transgender-activist-musician.html) 2023-02-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Miller, Kelly Agnew,James J. Robinson,Isabel Castillo Guijarro,Sue Choi,Preston Wade,Colette. ["You've NEVER Seen Converse Kicks Styled Like This Before"](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/converse-one-star-sneakers-outfits-styling-tips). *www.refinery29.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035123/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/converse-one-star-sneakers-outfits-styling-tips) 2024-04-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Damshenas, Sam (2021-09-17). [""Hi gay!" and Hacks: Hannah Einbinder and Megan Stalter cover GAY TIMES Magazine"](https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/hi-gay-and-hacks-hannah-einbinder-and-megan-stalter-cover-gay-times-magazine/). *GAY TIMES*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240805002800/https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/hi-gay-and-hacks-hannah-einbinder-and-megan-stalter-cover-gay-times-magazine/) 2024-08-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["Sydney Sweeney Covers The Autumn 21 Issue of Wonderland"](https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/09/10/sydney-sweeney-autumn-21-issue/). *Wonderland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230405034737/https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/09/10/sydney-sweeney-autumn-21-issue/) 2023-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Petkoska, Zoria (2022-12-09). ["The 35mm Grit and Dark Room Poetry of James J. Robinson"](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/35mm-photography-james-j-robinson/) (in Japanese). *Tokyo Weekender*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240620221529/https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/35mm-photography-james-j-robinson/) 2024-06-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["James J. Robinson Captures Cinematic Stills of Some of the World's Biggest Stars"](https://fashionjournal.com.au/fashion/photographer-james-j-robinson-captures-cinematic-stills-of-some-of-the-worlds-biggest-stars/). *Fashion Journal*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240716022649/https://fashionjournal.com.au/fashion/photographer-james-j-robinson-captures-cinematic-stills-of-some-of-the-worlds-biggest-stars/) 2024-07-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Rollacoaster.tv. ["Shania Twain covers our Spring/Summer 2023 issue wearing Laquan Smith."](https://rollacoaster.tv/pages/shania_twain). *Rollacoaster.tv*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240909160249/https://rollacoaster.tv/pages/shania_twain) 2024-09-09 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Wonderland Staff (2021-07-15). ["Rose Byrne Covers The Debut Issue Of AMAZING Magazine"](https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/07/15/rose-byrne-amazing-magazine/). *Wonderland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240225025841/https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/07/15/rose-byrne-amazing-magazine/) 2024-02-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Wonderland Staff (2023-04-02). ["Harris Dickinson Talks Iconic And New Roles"](https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2023/04/02/harris-dickinson-2/). *Wonderland*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Vogue Australia (2019-02-03). [*Lily-Rose Depp shares her wildest dreams and favourite French and American phrases | Vogue Australia*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mztcdTzsbZo). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221105210432/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mztcdTzsbZo) 2022-11-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25. – via YouTube.

1. ["Commissioned by Apple: House of Slé"](https://www.instagram.com/apple/reel/CtJ6HwLuHL-/). *Instagram*. 2023-06-07. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Valentino (2019-05-27). [*#VLOGO: Anwar Hadid and Joey Francis*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4SlsLH4usM). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210504144031/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4SlsLH4usM) 2021-05-04 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25. – via YouTube.

1. Telstra (2023-03-26). [*2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award Nominees*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn_dO4rkyX0). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240127031820/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn_dO4rkyX0) 2024-01-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25. – via YouTube.

1. ["Inang Maynila"](https://www.nowness.com/story/inang-maynila-philippines). *Nowness*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220129014428/https://www.nowness.com/story/inang-maynila-philippines) 2022-01-29 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["Inang Maynila"](https://mubi.com/en/au/films/inang-maynila). *MUBI*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Brown, Annie (2022-03-11). ["James J. Robinson's 'On Golden Days' forces us to examine how we look back at the past"](https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/arts/james-j-robinsons-on-golden-days-forces-us-to-examine-how-we-look-back-at-the-past/image-gallery/79e296c28b84ef9c5b83899cb3731954). *Vogue Australia*

1. Petkoska, Zoria (2022-12-09). ["The 35mm Grit and Dark Room Poetry of James J. Robinson"](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/35mm-photography-james-j-robinson/). *Tokyo Weekender*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240620221529/https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/35mm-photography-james-j-robinson/) 2024-06-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. Center, Fotografisk (2024-08-09). ["Interview with James J. Robinson"](https://fotografiskcenter.wordpress.com/2024/08/09/interview-with-james-j-robinson/) (in da-DK). *FOTOGRAFISK CENTER // BLOG*. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["Living Memory"](https://www.portrait.gov.au/nppp-images.php?year=2021&show=all). *National Photographic Portrait Prize*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241022113548/https://www.portrait.gov.au/nppp-images.php?year=2021&show=all) 2024-10-22 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["Ex-St Kevin's student lights blazer in protest of culture"](https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/exst-kevins-student-light-blazer-in-protest-of-culture/news-story/1c115e97d2afa543a653094ffda33319). *Herald Sun*. 2021-11-04.

1. ["Former Melbourne St Kevin's student sets fire to school blazer in protest that goes viral on social media"](https://7news.com.au/news/education/former-melbourne-st-kevins-student-sets-fire-to-school-blazer-in-protest-that-goes-viral-on-social-media-c-4428397). *7NEWS*. 2021-11-04. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231201063759/https://7news.com.au/news/education/former-melbourne-st-kevins-student-sets-fire-to-school-blazer-in-protest-that-goes-viral-on-social-media-c-4428397) 2023-12-01 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["St Kevin's ex-student says burning blazer protest symbolised 'regeneration'"](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/best-of-melbourne/james-robinson-st-kevins-protest/13621752). *ABC listen*. 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2025-01-25.

1. ["St Kevin's College: Sacre Coeur wants to 'distance' itself from school"](https://www.heraldsun.com.au/education-victoria/catholic-girls-school-sacre-coeur-wants-to-distance-itself-from-controversial-st-kevins-college/news-story/a041eeb0b7796f03dfeb9d3c19d67a53). *Herald Sun*. 2021-11-05.

1. Hazel, Andy (2025-08-12). ["MIFF Review: First Light is an astonishing debut feature from James J. Robinson - The Curb | Film and Culture"](https://www.thecurb.com.au/miff-review-first-light-james-j-robinson/). Retrieved 2025-08-27.

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.jamespdf.com/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [James J. Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_J._Robinson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_J._Robinson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.