The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated independent shorts of the year, as Rosso Films International officially unveils plans for the New York City premiere of The Soldier and the Butterfly. The film, directed by AFI Award-winning filmmaker Stefano Da Fre, will have its big-screen debut at the New York Shorts International Film Festival—an event that carries significant weight in the industry as an official qualifying festival for the Canadian Screen Awards, often described as Canada’s answer to the Oscars.
Set during the harrowing years of World War II, the film explores the unlikely bond that forms between a Japanese soldier and a Korean woman forced into comfort service. The narrative leans on visual poetry, nuanced performances, and a sweeping musical score to deliver an emotionally charged story centered on themes of compassion, humanity, and redemption amid devastating circumstances.
Laura Pellegrini serves as executive partner and producer on the project under the Rosso Films International banner. The production continues the company’s established reputation for blending striking visual aesthetics with emotionally weighty drama that resonates deeply with audiences.
Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics and festival-goers already describing Da Fre’s work as a “cinematic triumph” and “a must-see masterpiece.”
“This film is a labor of profound reverence and narrative commitment,” Da Fre said. “We sought to tell a story that honors the dignity and humanity of those who endured unimaginable hardship, offering a vision of empathy, remembrance, and artistic truth. To share this project at a festival recognized as a Canadian Screen qualifier makes me incredibly proud. It is a milestone for our company Rosso Films International, and further a highlight of Canadian/Korean cinema for a film that recently went through QEPC (Quebec English Language Production Council).”
Premiere & Screening Details
- Event: New York Shorts International Film Festival — NYC Premiere
- Film: The Soldier and the Butterfly
- Director: Stefano Da Fre
- Producer: Laura Pellegrini | Rosso Films International
- Date & Time: October 14th, 2026, 2pm
- Location: Cinema Village – 22 East 12th Street (corner of University Place) New York, NY, 10003
- Tickets: https://www.nyshorts.net/event-details/weds-oct-14-2-00-pm-prog-32
- Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BksArvEZ0uU&feature=youtu.be
About Rosso Films International
Rosso Films International is an award-winning independent production company focused on creating impactful, visually stunning, and socially resonant cinema. Led by Stefano Da Fre and Laura Pellegrini, the company develops narrative features, shorts, and documentaries that explore complex human truths for audiences around the world.
Media Contact & Press Inquiries
Mark L. Goldman
Goldman McCormick PR, INC
+1 (516)639-0988
mark@goldmanmccormick.com
Why it matters: This premiere places a historically significant WWII story on a stage that carries official Canadian Screen Award qualification, boosting its visibility among awards voters and international distributors. For audiences, it’s a chance to see a film that tackles difficult history with artistic ambition—and for Rosso Films International, it marks a major milestone in the company’s growing global footprint.
