Producer Aquino Plotado, Epy Quizon bag top awards at Emirates Film Festival

Filipino film producer and entrepreneur Aquino Plotado and actor-filmmaker Epy Quizon were among the winners at the 12th Emirates Film Festival (EFF) 2026, held on July 26 at the New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. 

Plotado received the Best Film Producer Award, while Quizon's short film “Bukal” won Best Film and earned him the Best Director award.

Plotado's latest recognition comes as “As the Call, So the Echo” continues to gain international recognition. The short film also performed strongly at last year's 11th Emirates Film Festival, where writer-director Rusty Palacio Guarin won Best Director and “Bar Boys” actor Enzo Pineda received the Best Actor award.

The award also adds to Plotado's growing recognition in the UAE. In 2025, he was honored with the Billion Dirhams Deal Maker Award at the Emirates Real Estate Awards for his accomplishments in both the real estate and film industries.

Meanwhile, “Bukal” emerged as one of this year's standout entries, earning Quizon Best Film and Best Director honors in his directorial debut.

Filmmaker Kay Cyrus Castellano also celebrated a win at the festival, with his short film “Lazo” earning third place. He later joined Quizon onstage as they received their certificates and awards.

Other major winners included John Moreland Lynn, who won Best Actor for “Quiet on Set,” and Ruwani Tebuwanage, who won Best Actress for “Police Seat.” Francis Gacer received the Best Screenplay award for “Tilamsik sa Dakilang Apoy,” while “Vera” won the Best Cinematography award.

The festival also honored emerging talents through its special awards. Charmae Cabrera received the EFF Promising Actress award, Ron Jordan De Ocampo was named EFF Promising Actor, Orli Gayeta received the EFF Filmmaker Recognition Award, and Aleah Madaine was honored as Best Child Actress.

Founded in 2013, the Emirates Film Festival is the UAE's first independent film festival.