News and Updates

Quezon City, Philippines — In an exciting display of cross-cultural collaboration, Quezon City proudly welcomes acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Si-o and his team from Cannetapia Film for the 2025 Busan Intercity Residency Film Program, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

As one of only two global host cities selected this year—alongside Cannes, France—Quezon City is honored to serve as the Philippine home for this international exchange, where a new short film titled “Homecoming” will be developed and filmed entirely on location.

The Busan Intercity Residency is a prestigious initiative under the UNESCO Creative City of Film banner that enables emerging filmmakers from Busan to produce short films in other designated or partner cities. Although Quezon City is not yet officially declared as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the invitation to host was a strong endorsement of the city’s potential and readiness to join the global network.

“When Busan reached out to us, they expressed that while Quezon City is still in the process of bidding for the designation, they believe in what we’ve built,” said Liza Diño, Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission. “They chose us not just because of our infrastructure, but because of the long-standing relationship we’ve nurtured with Busan through past collaborations, and because they trust that we can support their filmmakers with the resources, creativity, and warmth that define Quezon City.”

The result of this partnership is “Homecoming”, a queer love story about unrequited love, resilience, and reconnection—set against the diverse cultural backdrop of Quezon City.

Filmmaker Lee Si-o and his crew arrived in the city earlier this week and have since been immersed in location scouting and cultural immersion, visiting iconic neighborhoods, artistic enclaves, and inclusive queer spaces across QC—from historic landmarks to indie cafés and community centers.

Production officially begins on June 28, 2025, aligning beautifully with Love Laban: Pride Parade and Festival, Quezon City’s flagship LGBTQIA+ celebration led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, and a symbol of the city’s unwavering support for equality and diversity.

In “Homecoming,” the multifaceted landscapes of Quezon City will be woven into the narrative, showcasing everything from our thriving nightlife and open queer communities to the quiet, emotional corners of everyday life.

“This project is more than just a film shoot. It’s a love letter to Quezon City,” Diño shared. “As a city that champions diversity and was among the first in the Philippines to pass local policies protecting LGBTQIA+ rights, it’s deeply meaningful that this year’s Busan Intercity Residency project tells a queer story grounded in our own landscape—just in time for Pride Month.”

The team has also been exploring local cuisine, trying different Filipino delicacies across Quezon City—from street food favorites to homegrown restaurants that reflect the city’s rich and varied flavors.

“This experience has been unforgettable,” said Director Lee Si-o. “From the hospitality of the people to the textures of the city—Quezon City feels like a character in our film, not just a setting.”

“Homecoming” will have its world premiere at the 9th Busan Intercity Film Festival from August 29–31, 2025, where it will screen alongside other short films produced under the residency program in cities such as Galway (Ireland), Gdynia (Poland), Yamagata (Japan), and Santos (Brazil).

The Quezon City Film Commission sees this milestone as a stepping stone toward broader international collaboration and a testament to the city’s growing role as a creative capital in Asia. As Quezon City strengthens its bid for recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, partnerships like this reflect its commitment to telling powerful, inclusive stories and supporting global cinematic exchange.

“Imagine—a Korean queer film shot in Quezon City, during Pride, shown in Busan. This is what the future of global cinema looks like: rooted in community, driven by connection, and powered by shared stories,” Diño added.

Media Contact:

Quezon City Film Commission

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.qcfilmcommission.ph

Quezon City, Philippines — The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC)  is thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for Quezon City-based film producers to join the Philippine delegation at one of Europe’s most prestigious A-list festivals—the San Sebastian International Film Festival (SSIFF)

QCFC has opened the Call for Producers and is seeking delegates who will represent Quezon City’s vibrant film sector in a fully supported program that includes access to the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum, tailored networking sessions, and full immersion into SSIFF’s international industry ecosystem.

The official QCFC delegation will be in San Sebastián, Spain, from September 21 to 25, 2025. The San Sebastian International Film Festival dates run from September 18 to 27, 2025.

What Selected Delegates Will Receive

From the San Sebastián Film Festival:

• 4 nights hotel accommodation (September 21–25, 2025)
• Roundtrip airport transfers (Bilbao, Biarritz, or San Sebastián)
• Full Industry Accreditation
• Visibility on SSIFF’s Industry Website (profile, contact, headshot)
• Inclusion in the Virtual Industry Guide
   

From QCFC:

• Roundtrip airfare from Manila to San Sebastián
• Visa assistance and pre-departure briefing
• Representation and promotional support
• Invitation to QCFC’s exclusive Networking Happy Hour at San Telmo Museum (September 22, 2025)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a Filipino producer or distributor living or working in Quezon City
• Be actively seeking international co-production or distribution opportunities
• Be available to travel between September 18 to 27, 2025
• Hold a passport valid through March 2026
   

Preferred Profiles Include:

• Producers with experience or interest in Europe/Latin America collaborations
• Emerging and mid-career producers scaling to the international market
• Women, LGBTQIA+, and underrepresented storytellers
• Those with projects in development or pre-production with international potential
   

Application Requirements (in English):

• A letter of Intent stating their motivation for applying and intended outcomes.
• Producer Profile, compiling their credits and key achievements
• Production Company Profile, compiling their company’s background and key achievements
• Proof of Work or Residence in QC, showing either their business registration in QC or residential address in QC
• Portfolio of Previous Works, including loglines or screener links for completed projects
• Copy of Passport

__________

Application Portal:
https://bit.ly/SSIFF-CallforProjects

Submission Deadline:
July 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PH Time)

Selected Projects will be announced before the end of July.

__________

For inquiries:
[email protected] / [email protected]

This program marks a historic movement for Philippine cinema and storytelling. Join us as we showcase Quezon City’s proud voices in the global stage. Apply as a Producer Now.

Quezon City, Philippines—Submissions are open for the third edition of the QCinema Project Market (QPM), one of Southeast Asia’s rising platforms for emerging film talent. 

Part of the QCinema Industry program at the QCinema International Film Festival, QPM joins a robust slate of industry initiatives that include Dokyu Days, the Asian Next Wave Film Forum, the Critics Lab, and Creative Industries Day. The Project Market continues to position Quezon City as a regional hub for bold, globally competitive storytelling.

Since its inception, QPM has nurtured more than 40 projects from script to screen. Notable alumni include Don’t Cry, Butterfly by Dương Diệu Linh, which won the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival (Critics’ Week), and Tale of the Land by Loeloe Hendra Komara, which earned the FIPRESCI Prize at the Busan International Film Festival’s New Currents section.

The 2025 edition of QPM will take place from November 20–22, 2025, and is now accepting applications from filmmakers across the Philippines and Southeast Asia who are developing feature-length fiction film projects. Interested filmmakers can apply from June 5 to July 5, 2025 (11:59 PM PH Time) through the QCinema Industry Eventival website. 

What Selected Projects Will Receive:
• Curated pitch sessions with decision-makers and co-producers
• One-on-one meetings with international film institutions and funds
• Access to all QCinema Industry events, including masterclasses and panels
• Invitations to networking nights and the QPM Awards Ceremony
• Opportunities to receive development support and co-production prizes

Eligibility Requirements:
• Project must be a feature-length fiction film in development
• A director and producer must be attached to the project
• The director must have completed at least one short or feature film
• The producer must have produced at least one short or feature film

Ineligible Projects:
• Projects that will be completed before November 21, 2025
• Projects that are already fully financed
• Projects that do not fully comply with all submission requirements

__________

Application Portal:
https://vp.eventival.com/ScreenQC/qpm2025

Submission Deadline:
July 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PH Time)

Selected Projects will be announced on August 15, 2025

__________

For inquiries:
[email protected]  / [email protected]

Media Contact: 
Charlize Recto – QCinema Industry Press Office
[email protected]

__________

Join the wave of bold Southeast Asian storytelling. Submit your project to QPM 2025 today!

 

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—May 2025—The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) supports and promotes Callback PH, the Philippines' pioneering digital casting platform, and their upcoming “Acting as a Career: Audition Fundamentals,” which is open to all acting enthusiasts regardless of age. The workshop will be held on May 10, 2 PM, at the Ateneo de Manila University in partnership with the Ateneo Fine Arts Department.

The workshop will be facilitated by Sheenly Gener, a Berlinale Talents alumna, QCinema 2017 Best Supporting Actress, and one of the country's most respected acting coaches. 

Additionally, the workshop will tackle the myths behind the audition process and equip the participants with the tools, resources, and kits necessary to ace their auditions and callbacks! Building an acting resume and portfolio has never been this easy, especially with this intensive workshop made to prepare actors for the industry. 

The standard registration fee is PHP 1,499. However, participants with a complete Callback profile will enjoy a discounted rate of PHP 999. Creating a Callback profile is free and grants users access to verified casting calls, job opportunities, and a growing network of industry professionals. Register now through: https://forms.gle/SETJvyy2Zwfk4z317.

For more updates about the upcoming workshop, follow @callback.ph and @qcfc.official on Instagram.

CANNES, France – May 2025 – The Quezon City Film Commission and QCinema International Film Festival proudly mark their participation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the global launch of QCinema Industry, the festival’s official industry platform. As QCinema celebrates its 13th edition this year, it continues to expand its international footprint and foster impactful storytelling across Southeast Asia.

Anchored on Quezon City’s vision to become a sustainable and globally competitive film city, QCinema Industry is a year-round professional platform for filmmakers, producers, investors, and cultural policymakers. It builds on the success of previous editions with new initiatives that deepen international collaboration, promote creative development, and engage with urgent global conversations.

"We’re proud to present QCinema Industry here at Cannes, the world’s most prestigious film festival, to signal the growing impact and ambition of Southeast Asian cinema," said Liza Diño, Head of QCinema Industry. “This expansion not only champions Philippine and regional talent but also opens new doors for global co-productions and creative exchange.”

As part of its mission to elevate Filipino cinema on the global stage, QCinema continues its strong presence at Cannes.

“Cannes has always been a place of discovery—where new voices in cinema are heard and celebrated,” said Ed Lejano, Artistic Director of QCinema International Film Festival. “Our presence here is both symbolic and strategic. It’s a chance to connect our Filipino filmmakers with global industry players and promote QCinema as a vital Southeast Asian hub for talent and creativity. It’s also where we discover standout titles to bring home to the Philippines—ensuring our local audiences experience the very best of world cinema.”

Launched in 2023, the QCinema Project Market (QPM) enters its third year in 2025 and remains a crucial platform for Southeast Asian filmmakers seeking international support. Through curated pitches, one-on-one meetings, and networking sessions, QPM has helped incubate several internationally acclaimed projects.

These include Don’t Cry, Butterfly, which won the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival and the QCinema Grand Jury Prize; Tale of the Land, which earned the FIPRESCI Prize at the Busan International Film Festival’s New Currents section; and Bleat!, a Malaysia-Philippines-France co-production directed by Ananth Subramaniam—the first-ever Malaysian short film selected for Cannes, now part of this year’s Semaine de la Critique. The director previously participated in QPM with his feature project The Passport. Most recently, Agapito, a short film by Arvin Belarmino—whose feature project Ria was selected at QPM 2023—is competing in this year’s Cannes Main Competition Short Film section.

Running from November 17–23, 2025, the QCinema Industry program will unfold across multiple venues in Quezon City’s Araneta City district. Its five core components include:

QCinema Dokyu Days (Nov. 17–18)
 A two-day immersion into documentary filmmaking featuring global screenings, industry panels, and an Impact Lab co-presented with Doc Society and GIPA.

QCinema Asian Next Wave Film Forum (Nov. 19–20)
 This year’s edition explores the evolving concept of the “Film City”—with conversations on gender equity, sustainable practices, and technological innovations such as virtual production. Speakers include Sean Baker, Bong Joon-ho, and executives from NEON.

“The concept of Film City goes beyond having sound stages and festivals—it’s about building ecosystems where cinema thrives, artists are supported, and culture drives urban transformation,” said Manet Dayrit, Head of the Asian Next Wave Film Forum. “Quezon City’s commitment to this vision through QCinema Industry is a model worth watching.”

QCinema Project Market (Nov. 20–23)
 A curated marketplace for film projects in advanced development from the Philippines and Southeast Asia, connecting creators with international co-producers, sales agents, and financiers.

QCinema Creative Industries Day (Nov. 21)
 A summit focused on creative infrastructure and policy, spotlighting Quezon City’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Film.

QCinema Critics Lab (Festival Duration)
 Great film culture cannot exist without a great culture of criticism. Now in its third year, the QCinema Critics Lab welcomes eight emerging Filipino critics under 30 to participate in an intensive mentorship and writing program.

Led by critic and educator Jason Tan Liwag, the lab aims to cultivate independent cultural voices who challenge mainstream discourse, explore marginal perspectives, and deepen engagement with Southeast Asian and global cinema. The program also promotes coverage of non-English language and arthouse films while fostering sustainable careers in cultural journalism.

Additional highlights include QPM Night and the QPM Awards Ceremony, recognizing excellence in project development and cross-border collaboration.

With strong support from cultural institutions, international partners, and regional stakeholders, QCinema Industry continues to position Quezon City as a dynamic hub for cinema in Asia.

For inquiries and project submissions:
 📩 [email protected]
 🌐 www.qcinemaindustry.ph

Media Contact:
 Charlize Recto
 QCinema Industry Press Office

Creative Workers Looking for Job Opportunities? Enlist now in Quezon City Film Commission’s AudioVisual Industry Database (AVID) this Labor Day in Q.C. Hall!

Quezon City, Philippines— The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) will be launching QC’s first comprehensive registry for workers in the Film, TV, Media, Social Media, and Events industry—the AudioVisual Industry Database (AVID) Registry—on May 1, 2025 as part of their booth services in the Labor Day event hosted by QC Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

Quezon City-based freelancers, crew members, technical specialists, service providers, and other industry workers across all phases of production will all be welcome to enlist in the AVID Registry. Applying for the AVID Registry will allow workers to have their profile and portfolio promoted to employers, to easily find gigs and employment opportunities within Quezon City and nearby cities, and to receive news and notifications regarding upcoming workshops, job fairs, and other career development initiatives.

Other features of the AVID Registry that will be added soon are the following: access to social services and benefits, assistance in filing taxes and applying for TIN no. especially for freelancers, access to a grievance desk for any legal/contract issues involving AV work, priority access and discounts to masterclasses, workshops, and training from QCFC and its partner institutions, and direct hiring opportunities from AVID-registered companies and organizations.

The registry will be accepting applicants during QC PESO’s Job Fair this coming May 1, 2025 in the Q.C. Hall MICE Center, from 8AM onwards. QCFC will also be offering enlistment and renewal services to film workers for government-mandated requirements such as SSS, Pag-Ibig, PhilHealth, BIR, and QC ID. 

QCitizens may pre-register for QCFC’s Labor Day event through this link. For more information, follow QCFC on their Facebook and Instagram. 

QUEZON CITY FILM COMMISSION IS NOW QC SCREEN COMMISSION (ScreenQC)

Quezon City, Philippines—With the passing of the Screen QC Ordinance, Quezon City will not only provide support and policy improvements for the Film Industry, but also the Screen Industry. 

The Screen Industry encompasses all individuals and entities engaging directly or indirectly to the creation, production, distribution, and commercialization of Screen Content (film, commercials, animation, streaming content, video games, etc). 

The rationale behind moving the focus from the Film Industry to Screen Industry is to acknowledge and act on the shift in the media landscape that broadens audiovisual storytelling from traditional film to diverse content delivered through screens. In order to properly address these changing objectives, the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) will also shift into the Quezon City Screen Commission (ScreenQC). 

The Screen QC Commission, under the leadership of Executive Director Liza Diño, will have the following responsibilities: 

• Establish the Screen Permits Division and facilitate the processing of permits for productions seeking to produce screen content in Quezon City;
• Implement the QC Screen Academy to help improve the expertise of Quezon City’s screen talents and workers;
• and promote the city as a UNESCO Creative City of Film through the execution and promotion of screen-related activities, including local and international film festivals, exhibitions, and similar events within Quezon City.

Furthermore, Screen QC will also be undertaking the annual QCinema International Film Festival and perform other functions as may be authorized by the Chairperson of the Commission, Mayor Joy Belmonte.

The official implementation and establishment of Quezon City Screen Commission (ScreenQC) is expected in the next coming weeks.

For more information about the Screen QC Ordinance, you may contact the  Quezon City Film Commission through their email ([email protected]) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/qcfcph).

Quezon City, Philippines—April 25, 2025—The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) is proud to  announce the passing of the Screen QC Ordinance, a major policy aimed at expanding support from film to the broader screen industry. This ordinance positions Quezon City as a leading hub for screen content in the Philippines and Southeast Asia and reorganizes and re-establishes the Quezon City Screen Commission (QCSC) as a permanent department of the QC Local Government. 

With the passing of the Screen QC Ordinance, QCSC will be able to formulate rules and policies that create a supportive environment for the development of Quezon City’s screen industry and implement  initiatives that encourage the production of quality screen content. In line with this is the establishment of the Screen Permits division.

The Screen Permits division will be tasked to streamline permitting processes, standardizes fees, and incentivizes productions. It also supports training programs, industry events, and the international promotion of Quezon City’s screen talents. The Quezon City Film Commission Executive Director, Liza Diño, has recently shared her sentiments regarding the Screen Permits Division through an online statement on social media. She stated, 

““Naririnig namin ang hinaing ng industriya—mula sa hindi pantay-pantay na permit fees hanggang sa kakulangan sa malinaw na proseso.The establishment of the Screen Permits Office will be our direct response to these challenges. With this, we are creating a more transparent, accessible, and supportive environment for filmmakers, especially our indie and emerging storytellers.”

The Screen QC Ordinance aligns with the city’s ongoing bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2025, reinforcing its role as a center of creativity and innovation.

With the passage of the Screen QC Ordinance, Quezon City is poised to strengthen its reputation as a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking creative hub—empowering artists, attracting global productions, and creating new opportunities for economic and cultural development.

For more information about the Screen QC Ordinance or the upcoming Screen Permits Office, you may contact the  Quezon City Film Commission through their email ([email protected]) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/qcfcph).

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES (16 NOVEMBER 2024) — The second edition of the QCinema Project Market (QPM), the flagship industry initiative of the QCinema International Film Festival, concluded with a triumphant announcement of its award-winning film projects. An impressive PHP 26 million in grants and co-production support was distributed among the winners. Held at the iBis Styles Hotel in Quezon City, this milestone event coincided with the 2024 edition of the festival and marked another leap forward in QCinema’s commitment to nurturing world cinema. 

Now in its twelfth year, the QCinema International Film Festival has further cemented its reputation as more than just a premier showcase for outstanding Filipino and international cinema. This year’s QCinema Project Market (QPM) reinforced its pivotal role as a driving force in bridging filmmakers with essential production partnerships and funding opportunities.

The market unfolded over an intensive two-day event from November 13-14, 2024 at the Novotel Hotel, also in Quezon City, designed to foster networking and pitch sessions for 20 carefully chosen feature-length fiction projects from across Southeast Asia. Representatives of these projects participated in focused, one-on-one meetings with prominent producers and influential figures from both local and international production and post-production companies, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and support.

Three standout Filipino projects received the prestigious QCinema Project Market Philippine Co-Production Grant, each valued at PHP 2,000,000 (USD 34,000). These were “Anak Alon” (Daughters of the Sea) directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar, “Bato Bato Sa Langit, Ang Tamaan Magagalit” (Heaven Help Us) directed by Eve Baswel, and “Inahing Baka” (Mother Maybe) directed by Sonny Calvento.

The QCinema Project Market – Southeast Asia Co-Production Grant, worth PHP 1,000,000 (USD 17,000), was awarded to Myanmar-Indonesia co-production “The Beer Girl in Yangon” by director Sein Lyan Tun. Additionally, co-production grants of PHP 750,000 (USD 12,000) each were presented to Singapore’s “Other People’s Dreams” by director Daniel Hui and Malaysia’s “The Passport” by director Ananth Subramaniam.

To advance the QCinema Project Market’s mission of promoting the creation of innovative, globally impactful films and fostering collaboration across the Southeast Asian film industry, special awards were provided by various industry partners. These included valuable development and post-production grants, further empowering filmmakers to bring their visions to life.

The CMB Discovery Award granted equipment rental support to multiple standout projects, showcasing its commitment to nurturing promising filmmaking talent. Five selected projects—“Lihim na Luha” (Secret Cries) by Eileen Cabiling, “Please Bear With Me” by Gabriela Serrano, “Golden” by JP Habac, “Angel De Dios” by Joel Ruiz, and “Molder” by Kenneth Dagatan—each received PHP 1,000,000 (USD 17,000) in support.

Additionally, CMB extended the same grant, valued at PHP 500,000 (USD 13,500), to eight other Filipino projects, further bolstering their development. These recipients included “My Neighbor The Gangster” by Mario Cornejo, “The Returning” by Atsuko Hirayanagi, “Bato Bato Sa Langit, Ang Tamaan Magagalit” (Heaven Help Us) by Eve Baswel, “Baradero” (A Ship of Fools) by Keith Deligero, “Ewa” by Keith Sicat, “Anak Alon” (Daughters of the Sea) by Martika Ramirez Escobar, “Hum” by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan, and “Inahing Baka” (Mother Maybe) by Sonny Calvento.

"Angel De Dios" was honored with the prestigious Mocha Chai Award, which comes with a comprehensive post-production services package worth USD 50,000.

The Kongchak Studio Award was presented to “Molder,” granting the project sound post-production services worth up to USD 10,000, to be completed at Kongchak’s studios in Cambodia. Additionally, Central Digital Lab awarded two color correction grants, each valued at USD 10,000, to the projects “The Returning” and “My Neighbor The Gangster.”

The Barebones Award, a color correction grant valued at up to USD 14,000 each, was presented to four exceptional projects. Among the recipients were the Filipino films “Golden” and “Hum,” alongside two standout Southeast Asian projects: “Future Laobans” by director Maung Sun and “I’ll Smile in September” by director Aakash Chhabra. In addition, Barebones and Terminal 6 teamed up to present the T6xBB Award to “The Beer Girl in Yangon,” offering the project the same post-production services valued at approximately USD 14,000.

Finally, Nathan Studios awarded a development grant of PHP 250,000 to the project “Lihim na Luha” (Secret Cries) while the Taiwan Creative Content Agency presented the TAICCA Award—a USD 5,000 cash prize—to “Ewa,” the sole animation film in the slate.

"We are thrilled to have successfully wrapped up the second edition of QPM with a remarkable slate of projects, backed by the incredible support of our partners, funders, and collaborators. This achievement reaffirms our belief that the project market will continue to be a vital platform for fostering cross-border collaborations and co-production opportunities among Filipino, Southeast Asian, and international filmmakers. We’re excited for what’s to come!" shared Liza Dino-Seguerra, QCinema Project Market Managing Director.

The finalists were chosen from 70 film submissions from across the Southeast Asian region. The networking event is designed to support films in the development stage and encourage cross-border collaborations and co-production opportunities among Filipino, Southeast Asian, and international filmmakers, in line with the QCinema International Film Festival’s commitment to offering a platform for bold and creative voices in cinema. 

2024 QCINEMA PROJECT MARKET WINNERS LIST

QPM PHILIPPINES CO-PRODUCTION GRANT (PHP2,000,000)

“Daughters of the Sea” (Anak Alon)

“Heaven Help Us” (Bato Bato Sa Langit Ang Tamaan Magagalit)

“Mother Maybe” (Inahing Baka)

QPM SOUTHEAST ASIAN CO-PRODUCTION PRIZE (PHP1,000,000 & PHP750,000)

“The Beer Girl in Yangon” (Myanmar, Indonesia)

“Other People’s Dreams” (Singapore)

“The Passport” (Malaysia)

MOCHA CHAI AWARD (VALUED UP TO USD50,000)

“Angel De Dios” (Philippines)

CMB DISCOVERY AWARD - PHP 1,000,000 EACH 

“Lihim na Luha” (Philippines)

“Please Bear With Me” (Philippines)

“Golden” (Philippines)

“Angel de Dios” (Philippines)

“Molder” (Philippines)

CMB DISCOVERY AWARD - PHP 500,000 EACH

"My Neighbor The Gangster" (Philippines)

"The Returning" (Philippines)

“Heaven Help Us” (Bato Bato Sa Langit Ang Tamaan Magagalit) (Philippines)

"Baradero” (A Ship of Fools) (Philippines)

"Ewa" (Philippines)

"Anak Alon” (Daughters of the Sea) (Philippines)

"Hum" (Philippines)

"Mother Maybe” (Inahing Baka) (Philippines)

KONGCHAK STUDIO AWARD (VALUED UP TO USD 10,000)

“Molder” (Philippines)

CENTRAL DIGITAL LAB AWARD (VALUED UP TO USD 10,000)

“The Returning” (Philippines)

“My Neighbor The Gangster” (Philippines)

BAREBONES AWARD (VALUED UP TO USD 14,000)

“Golden” (Philippines)

“Hum” (Philippines)

“Future Laobans” (Myanmar)

“I’ll Smile in September” (Singapore, India)

T6XBB AWARD (VALUED UP TO USD 14,000)

“The Beer Girl in Yangon” (Myanmar, Indonesia)

TAICCA AWARD (USD 5,000)

“Ewa” (Philippines)

NATHAN STUDIOS DEVELOPMENT GRANT (PHP 250,000)

“Lihim na Luha” (Secret Cries)

QCinema Project Market (QPM), organised by Quezon City Film Commission, has selected 20 projects for the second edition of the event, which is taking place during QCinema International Film Festival in Metro Manila, Philippines.

The curated selection of mid to advanced-development projects includes seven from Southeast Asian filmmakers and producers, as well as 13 projects from the Philippines. QPM aims to provide a platform for the selected projects to connect with international partners and potential financiers, and will also hand out grants and prizes valued at around $300,000.

“QPM plays a crucial role in advancing the regional film landscape by nurturing globally resonant films that elevate the festival experience,” said the organisers in a statement. “The event hosts one-on-one meetings, project presentations and networking events to facilitate connections and collaborations. Selected projects benefit from financial support, including around $300,000 in grants and prizes, as well as from the wealth of experience and resources offered by industry partners.”

Projects selected for last year’s QPM include Don’t Cry Butterfly, which is premiering in Venice Critics Week; Tale Of The Land, which is playing in Busan’s New Currents competition; and two projects that are currently in post-production – Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana and Woo Ming Jin’s Fox King. In addition, Le Bao’s The Sea Is Calm Tonight is scheduled to start shooting in November. 

QPM is scheduled to take place November 14-16, while the 12th edition of the QCinema festival runs November 11-17. 

SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECTS:

The Beer Girl In Yangon (Myanmar, Indonesia)
Dir: Sein Lyan Tun
Prod: Yulia Evina Bhara
Logline: When her father is arrested for political activism, Lily has to work in the beer station in Yangon, where she falls in love with a karaoke singer and a mysterious older man while dealing with her swinging menstruation hallucination mood.

Future Laobans (Myanmar)
Dir: Maung Sun
Prod: Emmanuel Angeles
Logline: In the jade mining town of Hpakant, three teenagers with different backgrounds, Aung, Sun, and Nyi, embark on a risky journey to smuggle a valuable jade stone to China, driven by their dreams of becoming millionaires overnight.

I’ll Smile In September (Singapore, India)
Dir: Aakash Chhabra
Prod: Fran Borgia
Logline: After getting separated from the love of his life and losing his front teeth in a brutal altercation which ensues after it, a young brass band player in Old Delhi attempts to move on in life by finding his smile back.

To Leave, To Stay (Cambodia)
Dir: Danech San
Prod: Daniel Mattes
Logline: Bored of her island life, Mera travels with her friend Bopha to visit a soldier she met online. Weeks later, Mera goes missing. Bopha’s search begins.

Other People’s Dreams (Singapore)
Dir: Daniel Hui
Prods: Tan Si En, Joel Neo
Logline: Two runaway souls escaping a dark past meet in the chaos of Singapore. They find a way to survive by stealing, unseen from the public, melding themselves with the rhythms of the dreaming city.

The Passport (Malaysia)
Dir: Ananth Subramaniam
Prod: Choo Mun Bel
Logline: Passport chronicles the life of a working-class Indian family from the perspective of Kalki, a Punk Rocker who confronts the impact of cultural expectations in and out of home.

Picturehouse (Vietnam)
Dir: Minh-Nghiem Nguyen-Vo
Prod: Johann Chapelan
Logline: In 1960s Vietnam, a family-run movie house becomes a haven for an eight-year-old boy who sees his world being undone by war.

FILIPINO PROJECTS:

Angel De Dios
Dir: Joel Ruiz
Prod: Madonna Tarrayo
Logline: After a heist goes terribly wrong, a bank robber inadvertently ends up with a three-month-old baby as he escapes the scene. An unexpected relationship develops between the two as danger follows their every move.

Daughters Of The Sea (Anak Alon)
Dir: Martika Ramirez Escobar
Prod: Rajiv Idnani
Logline: Three lives intertwine like kindred beings from the same soil. Lucia, a curious tour guide who unknowingly meets her father for the first time, lives vicariously through two people—a pet shop owner who tries to keep a dying mermaid alive and a fish vendor whose long-missing husband reappears from nowhere.

Eve (Ewa)
Dir: Keith Sicat
Prod: Sari Dalena
Logline: In a future of intergalactic migrant workers, a scientist marooned on a hostile alien world struggles to reconnect with her child who is light years away.

Golden
Dir: JP Habac
Prods: Omar Sortijas, Catsi Catalan
Logline: In order to raise funds for a house in Manila, a group of homeless gay seniors reunite and revive their former drag queen performances.

Heaven Help Us (Bato Bato Sa Langit Ang Tamaan Magagalit)
Dir: Eve Baswel
Prod: John Torres, Jules Katanyag
Logline: 12 hours before the collapse of the Manila Film Center in 1981, we follow the lives of the construction workers working tirelessly to complete the impossible deadline of finishing the building in less than two weeks before its opening.

Hum
Dir: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
Prods: Alemberg Ang, Hannah Schierbeek
Logline: An earthquake unravels the lives of two runaway land defenders turned rodeo stars haunted by their tragic past.

Molder
Dir: Kenneth Dagatan
Prods: Bradley Liew, Junxiang Huang
Logline: Set in a sleepy, rainy town in Southern Italy, Cesar, a Filipino immigrant, lives with his local Italian wife. When they meet a mysterious young Filipino man who places a curse on them, their lives turn into a nightmare of physical decay.

Mother Maybe (Inahing Baka)
Dir: Sonny Calvento
Prods: Arden Rod Condez, Sheron Dayoc
Logline: A son is reunited with his mother in Tokyo as he joins a high-stakes Japanese game show, but his joy turns to horror as he discovers that at night, his mother becomes different.

My Neighbor The Gangster
Dir: Mario Cornejo
Prods: Monster Jimenez, Jon Romulo
Logline: A young boy’s life is changed when a gangster moves his mistress and love child next door to the boy’s seaside residence.

Please Bear With Me
Dir: Gabriela Serrano
Prods: Gale Osorio, Keith Deligero
Logline: In an alternate Philippines where people have lost the ability to dream, a single mother Elenita works as a call center agent who gets paid in “dream-time”. Through these transient dreams, she relives her glory days as a rising pop star. As Elenita drifts deeper into her shimmering fantasies, her artist daughter embarks on a career that inexplicably begins to mirror her mother’s past.

The Returning
Dir: Atsuko Hirayanagi
Prods: Will Manalang, Eiko Mizuno Gray
Logline: A homeless Japanese man in Manila joins an environmental charity offering a chance to rebuild his life by planting trees in deforested areas of the Philippines, only to discover that it is a sinister cult serving an ancient forest spirit.

Secret Cries (Lihim Na Luha)
Dir: Eileen Cabiling
Prods: Darlene Malimas, Jericho Rosales
Logline: Manuel, addicted to crystal meth, is forced into rehab, where he confronts his darkest secret: he killed his beloved wife, an aswang – a mythical Filipino vampire – to save their newborn daughter. Now, with his daughter’s 13th birthday approaching, he fears whether she will reveal a human heart or a vampire’s curse.

A Ship Of Fools (Baradero)
Dir: Keith Deligero
Prod: Gale Osorio
Logline: Baradero is a psychological period drama set in a Philippines that is at the brink of World War II. It explores how two troubled men, Kilum and Enrico, torn between different moments in history, are strangely connected by the Arko Niño, a ship of fools that bears witness to the trauma of history and its enduring impact on the present.

Reference: QCinema Project Market 2024: Full Line-Up - Streamlined (streamlinedglobal.com)

The Philippines‘ Quezon City Film Commission and QCinema have revealed the lineup for the second edition of the QCinema Project Market (QPM).

Twenty projects were selected from 63 submissions across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The market aims to connect filmmakers with international partners and offers approximately $300,000 in grants and prizes.

Notable projects from last year’s QPM have made significant progress. Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiniana” and Woo Ming Jin’s “Fox King” are in post-production, while Duong Dieu Linh’s “Don’t Cry Butterfly” is world premiering at Venice Critics’ Week.

Author: Naman Ramachandran
Reference: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/philippines-qcinema-2024-projects-1236127478/