Filipino excellence once again took center stage on the international scene as entrepreneur and film producer Aquino Plotado earned the Best Film Producer Award at the 12th Emirates Film Festival 2026 in Dubai, adding another global milestone to the country’s growing presence in world cinema.

The prestigious honor recognized Plotado’s work behind the short film As the Call, So the Echo, a project that has continued to gain international acclaim. The film previously produced award-winning performances, including a Best Actor victory for Enzo Pineda and a Best Director win for filmmaker Rusty Palacio Guarin at the festival’s previous edition.

Plotado’s latest achievement reflects the growing influence of Filipino storytellers beyond the country’s borders, proving that local talent can compete and excel on the global stage through compelling narratives and quality filmmaking.

The celebration of Filipino success extended beyond Plotado’s individual victory. Director Epy Quizon’s Bukal emerged as one of the festival’s biggest winners after claiming Best Film, while Quizon also took home the Best Director award. Meanwhile, Tilamsik sa Dakilang Apoy received the Best Regional Film for Southeast Asia honor, with Francis Gacer also winning Best Screenplay.

Other Filipino artists were likewise recognized during the ceremony. Charmae Cabrera was named EFF Promising Actress, Ron Jordan De Ocampo received the EFF Promising Actor award, and Orli Gayeta was honored with the EFF Filmmaker Recognition Award, underscoring the depth of Philippine talent across different areas of filmmaking.

For Plotado, the recognition adds to an already distinguished international career. In 2025, he was honored with the Billion Dirhams Deal Maker Award at the Emirates Real Estate Awards, reflecting his success in both business and the creative industries.

His latest accolade serves as another reminder that Filipino filmmakers, producers and artists continue to earn respect on the world stage, carrying the country’s creativity, innovation and passion for storytelling to audiences across the globe.