The Soldier and the Butterfly gets NYC premiere at New York Shorts festival

Rosso Films International will debut The Soldier and the Butterfly in New York City on Oct. 14 at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. The screening gives the World War II drama a high-profile launch at a festival that qualifies winners for the Canadian Screen Awards.

Why it matters: - The New York City premiere gives The Soldier and the Butterfly a festival-stage launch in one of the industry's most visible screening markets. - The New York Shorts International Film Festival is an official qualifying festival for the Canadian Screen Awards, raising the film's profile in awards-season conversations. - The film's themes of compassion, humanity and redemption could broaden its appeal beyond the historical-drama audience.

What happened: - Rosso Films International announced the official NYC premiere of The Soldier and the Butterfly at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. - The film is directed by AFI Award-winning filmmaker Stefano Da Fre. - The screening is set for Oct. 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street at University Place in New York City. - Tickets are available here. - The official trailer is available here.

The details: - The film is set against World War II and centers on the connection between a Japanese soldier and a Korean woman forced into comfort service. - The production uses visual poetry, delicate performances and an immersive musical score to tell the story. - The film explores compassion, humanity and redemption in the face of tragedy. - Laura Pellegrini produced the film alongside executive partner Laura Pellegrini under the Rosso Films International banner. - Rosso Films International described the project as part of its focus on visually striking, socially resonant cinema. - The company said the film recently went through QEPC, or the Quebec English Language Production Council.

Between the lines: - The festival slot signals confidence in the film's awards and audience potential. - Early praise from critics and festival audiences points to a strong reception, though those reactions are promotional rather than independently verified in the release. - Da Fre's quoted remarks frame the project as both an artistic work and a tribute to people who endured wartime hardship. - The mention of Canadian/Korean cinema suggests Rosso Films is positioning the film as culturally specific but internationally relevant.

What's next: - The film will screen in New York on Oct. 14, 2026. - Festival response at the premiere could shape the project's next run through additional festivals or distribution talks. - Rosso Films International is likely to keep promoting the film as part of its slate of narrative features, shorts and documentaries.

The bottom line: - The Soldier and the Butterfly is using a New York festival premiere to introduce a World War II drama with awards-qualified visibility and cross-cultural appeal.