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VIOLET Short Film Earns Official Selection at the International Tagore Film Awards 2026 in Kolkata, India

MANILA, Philippines — The acclaimed short film VIOLET has achieved another significant international milestone after being officially selected for the International Tagore Film Awards 2026 in Kolkata, India. The selection marks a proud moment for the entire production team as the film continues to gain global recognition for its compelling storytelling and strong advocacy for peace and education.

The International Tagore Film Awards celebrates outstanding cinematic achievements from filmmakers across the globe, recognizing films that demonstrate artistic excellence while promoting meaningful social impact. The inclusion of VIOLET among this year's Official Selections affirms the film's growing international presence and its ability to resonate with audiences beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.

More than a cinematic work, VIOLET serves as a powerful platform that highlights important social issues affecting children and communities. Through its emotionally engaging narrative, the film encourages dialogue, empathy, and awareness while amplifying stories that deserve to be seen and heard.

Leading the cast is Elia Ilano, joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring Ataska, Kian Co, Randy T. Dela Cruz, Malou Naredo Canzana, and J.J. Cillo, whose performances bring authenticity and emotional depth to the film.

The film was written and directed by Paulo Xavier, with Nelson Villamayor serving as Editor and Director of Photography, helping bring the vision of the project to life through compelling visual storytelling.

VIOLET is produced through the collaboration of internationally recognized non-profit organizations, including Wereldwijd voor Kinderen, State of Youth (Manila), and the KidsRights Foundation, an accredited non-governmental organization with consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Adding to its distinction, VIOLET is an official grantee of the International Children's Peace Prize 2026 Project Theme Fund, under this year's theme, "Peace and Education." This support reinforces the film's mission of inspiring positive social change through the transformative power of cinema.

The production team expressed its sincere gratitude to the International Tagore Film Awards for recognizing the film's vision and advocacy. The selection represents not only an achievement for the filmmakers but also a celebration of the communities and organizations committed to empowering children through education, peace, and storytelling.

As the International Tagore Film Awards prepares to welcome filmmakers from around the world in Kolkata, India, the team behind VIOLET looks forward to proudly representing the Philippines on the international stage, continuing its mission of using film as a catalyst for awareness, compassion, and meaningful change.

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, producers, and partner organizations behind VIOLET on this remarkable international recognition. May this achievement open even greater opportunities to inspire audiences worldwide and further champion the universal values of peace, education, and hope.