News and Updates

Quezon City, Philippines— The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) proudly announces its participation in the upcoming Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), taking place during the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea.

As Asia’s leading hub for film and content exchange, ACFM provides the perfect platform for QCFC to showcase the 2025 QCinema Industry program, including its flagship QCinema Project Market (QPM). Now in its third edition, QPM features a curated lineup of 20 film projects from the Philippines and Southeast Asia, which will be pitched to investors, distributors, and co-production partners in November during QCinema Industry in Quezon City.

Beyond promoting its own slate, QCFC’s participation in ACFM reinforces its commitment to building stronger regional and global alliances. The delegation will hold meetings with the Busan Cinema Center and Busan Film Commission, advancing intercity collaborations that have already included the Busan Story Market and Busan Intercity Residency. QCFC will also attend the UNESCO Creative Cities of Film Subnetwork Meeting on September 23, 2025, to explore new opportunities for cooperation as Quezon City pursues its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film.

QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño underscored the importance of this engagement:

“Our presence in Busan allows us to expand the global network supporting our QPM-selected projects, while also deepening existing partnerships in the region. It’s also an opportunity for QCinema Industry to learn from the best practices of fellow markets and strengthen Quezon City’s role as a trusted partner in Asian cinema.”

Highlighting Quezon City’s progressive cultural identity, QCFC will co-host the 10s Across the Borders After Premiere Party, in collaboration with QCinema’s RainbowQC and Daluyong Studios, celebrating the screening of a queer documentary produced by Quezon City–based filmmaker Alemberg Ang. The event affirms the Quezon City Local Government’s commitment to inclusivity and LGBTQ+ advocacies.

QCFC’s participation in ACFM is a vital part of Quezon City’s broader cultural diplomacy agenda—reinforcing its identity as the Film Capital of the Philippines and demonstrating its mission to foster meaningful international collaborations for Asian cinema.

Quezon City Film Commission will attend the Asian Contents & Film Market from September 20 to 23, 2025.

For more information on Quezon City Film Commission’s international initiatives, kindly contact [email protected].

Quezon City, Philippines— The Instituto Cervantes Manila hosted a Focus on Filipinas Despedida Party in partnership with the Quezon City Film Commission to formally send off the Philippine Delegation to the San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF).

The Spanish-Philippine Happy Hour celebrated the ten  selected Philippine producers, representing QC-based companies (Anna Velario, Real Florido, Pauline Saltarin, Arleen Cuevas, Geo Lomuntad, and Perci Intalan); QCitizen filmmakers (Chad Cabigon and Jo Andrew Torlao); and QCinema Project Market awardees (Keith Sicat and Monster Jimenez).

The evening opened with a flamenco-inspired performance by guitarist Adrik Cristobal, whose renditions of both Filipino and Spanish pieces set the tone for a night of cultural exchange and celebration.

In his welcome remarks, Director Francisco Lopez Tapia of Instituto Cervantes said, “On behalf of the Instituto Cervantes, it is a great honor to host the Philippine Delegates. We are truly delighted to have you here with us and for you to bring with you your talent, creativity, and perseverance. Congratulations to QCFC on being chosen by the San Sebastián International Film Festival as the Focus Country of their Industry Program.”

On the Focus on Filipinas program, QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño emphasized a broader vision, “Our mission is to reconnect the Philippines with Latin America through Spain. The Philippines is Southeast Asian, but also Latin in spirit. Spain is European, but also Latin American in reach.” 

Diño continued, “Together, we can build a bridge that links Asia and Latin America through cinema.  But To sustain this momentum, we must create systems—through incentives, funds, and supportive policies—that make partnerships possible and fair.”

First Secretary Alvaro Garcia Moreno of the Spanish Embassy, speaking on behalf of Spanish Ambassador Miguel Delgado Utray, also delivered a toast to the delegates: “To the talented filmmakers, we bid them good luck—buena suerte— in San Sebastian.” 

He also acknowledged Executive Director Liza Diño for her longstanding partnership with the Spanish Embassy, “I raise a glass for friendship between our institutions, and our passion for cinema, and for the initiatives that we celebrate today.”

In line with Moreno’s sentiment, Diño also stated, “What better place to mark this beginning than San Sebastián—a city that has always celebrated stories that cross borders.”

The highlight of the evening was a networking cocktail mixer, where an elegant selection of tapas and beverages was served as producers, attending filmmakers, and institutional representatives engaged in meaningful conversation about potential partnerships, collaborations, and linkages. 

The official delegation period of the Quezon City Film Commission, QCinema Film Foundation, and the Philippine producers as one delegation is set for September 21 to 25, 2025—marking a historic milestone for the Philippines as the Focus Country of the SSIFF Industry Program.

For more information, contact us through [email protected].

Quezon City, Philippines— The QCinema Project Market (QPM), the industry arm of QCinema International Film Festival, has unveiled the 20 projects selected for its third edition, chosen from a record 71 submissions across Southeast Asia.

This year’s slate spans 12 projects from the Philippines and 8 from across the region, showcasing bold voices, distinctive genres, and globally resonant stories.

Several QPM projects are already making waves internationally. The Fox King from Malaysian auteur Woo Ming Jin is set to world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this month, highlighting the market’s role as an incubator for globally competitive works.

“QPM is not just a platform—it’s a bridge,” says QCinema Industry head Liza Diño. “By connecting Southeast Asian stories to the wider world, we are giving filmmakers the visibility and access they need to secure funding, partners, and distribution.”

In just three editions, QPM has built an impressive track record. Alumni include Dương Diệu Linh’s Don’t Cry, Butterfly, winner of the Grand Prize at Venice Critics’ Week, and Loeloe Hendra Komara’s Tale of the Land, which earned the FIPRESCI Prize at Busan.

The QCinema Industry would like to extend its congratulations to each of the participating projects and the team behind their development.

The final list of participating projects from the Philippines is as follows:

“Luzonensis and Floresiensis” 

• Directed by Glenn Barit
• Produced by Kristine De Leon
• Logline: Two prehistoric hominids from the Philippines and Indonesia meet as migrant workers in the land of colonizers, struggling to secure a space and a home amidst a collapsing real estate market.

“Ozzy and Onie”

• Directed by Jaime Pacena II
• Produced by Dan Villegas and Angel Tomas
• Logline: In 1996 Manila, two star-crossed lovers torn between faith, family, and a collapsing system finds love and solace in a place that listens, shelters, and ultimately traps them.

“Sentinel”

• Directed by Carl Joseph E. Papa
• Produced by Geo Lomuntad
• Logline: Five interconnected lives of a transferee, his classmate, the editor-in-chief, an upperclassman, and the principal grapple with their own fears and loyalties as a student newspaper article threatens to dismantle a school’s bedrock of dark secrets.

“KOMIXXX”

• Directed by Jopy Arnaldo
• Produced by KC Contrevida
• Logline: Two Filipinos on break from their Japanese film - an aspiring director wondering if he's good enough and "sexy" actress who who wants to star in "serious" films - unexpectedly come together to escape reality and make an erotic comic together.

“The Void is Immense in Idle Hours”

• Directed by Sam Manacsa
• Produced by Chad Cabigon and Carlo Francisco Manatad
• Logline: When 19-year-old Rosemary becomes the only witness to the disappearance of a young boy, she is drawn into the search by the child’s desperate mother, Agnes. Their time together leads them to confront their tragic truths and forgotten dreams.

“What's Left Of Us”

•  Directed by Tyrone Acierto
• Produced by Wilfredo Manalang
• Logline: In a collapsed world consumed by a dementia-like plague, a couple and their chronically ill daughter fight to stay sane, holding on to pain, memory, and love as they search for what remains of their humanity.

“Daddy Cool”

• Directed by Dominic Bekaert
• Produced by Clémentine Comoy and Sarge Lacuesta
• Logline: During the turbulent times of martial law, in the decadence of Manila’s disco era, a career woman finds herself in a tangle of love and jealousy with her female boss and their shared gigolo.

“Dear Wormwood”

• Directed by Dodo Dayao
• Produced by Patti Lapus
• Logline: The quiet lives of four women of faith living up in the mountains are disrupted and threatened by the arrival of a time travelling ghost who is bringing the world to an end.

“Amateur”

• Directed by Dan Villegas
• Produced by Antoinette Jadaone
• Logline: A rising basketball star faces ruin when the price of fixing games pulls him into the brutal core of Manila's betting empire.

“Jaguar”

• Directed by Dean Colin Marcial
• Produced by Braden Friedman and Bam Manlongat
• Logline: A lonely security guard working the night shift becomes the sole witness to a murder in his building.

“There Is, There Isn’t” (“Meron, Wala”)

• Directed by Arjanmar H. Rebeta
• Produced by Khaye Medina
• Logline: In a town on the brink of chaos, where the corrupt sport of cockfighting intertwines with political power, an aging gaffer embarks on a desperate search for his missing son. As the eruption of Taal Volcano looms, Migo uncovers a dark web of deceit, violence, and manipulation, forcing him to confront his complicity and the brutal truth he’s been avoiding.

“JOLLYWOOD “

• Directed by Khavn De La Cruz
• Produced by Achinette Villamor
• Logline: A family fights demolition in Jollywood aka Brgy. 222, where every resident believes the answer to poverty are Tiktok and an American boyfriend. But Rony, a 10-year-old gay and resourceful boy, dreams of a better life.

The final list of participating projects from Southeast Asia is as follows:

“Penumbra” -  SINGAPORE

• Directed by Russell Morton
• Produced by Sophia Sim and Jeremy Chua
• Logline: A man on the run washes up on a floating fish farm with no means of escape. He is discovered by its mysterious occupants - an old man and his dog.  Caught between land and sea, freedom and imprisonment, dreams and monsters, he must now confront the sins of his past.

“Ray of Light” - THAILAND 

• Directed by Nontawat Numbenchapol
• Produced by Awat Ratanapintha
• Logline: On a present-day film set styled after the surreal glamour of the 1960s and divided by class, a puppet-like star actress and an unseen lighting technician form a brief, forbidden bond. When tragedy strikes, they risk everything to bring the system crashing down.

“Romdoul, the evening fragrance” (រំដួល) - CAMBODIA 

• Directed by Lomorpich Rithy
• Produced by Laura Tevary Mam
• Logline: Told through the intertwined lives of three generations of Cambodian women, in a country still haunted by war and silence, a young journalist journeys to the border of conflict and memory—only to confront the mother who left her behind, and the grandmother who never could.

“Strange Root” (“Keinginan”) - SINGAPORE 

• Directed by Lam Li Shuen and Mark Chua
• Produced by Tan Bee Thiam, Looi Wan Ping, Meiske Taurisia, Roshanak Behesht Nedjad, and Anouk Sluizer
• Logline: In 11th century Singapore, a yam-born demigod – worshipped and fed on by the islanders – is cast aside when a shipwrecked beast reawakens their lost desires. As obsession spreads and his place fades, he descends into madness, jealousy, and a haunting union with the beast.

“The Willing” (“Rela”) - MALAYSIA 

• Directed by Joon Goh
• Produced by Zarul Albakri
• Logline: In the underbelly of Kuala Lumpur, an Indonesian migrant teen forced into underground fights and a schoolgirl trapped by her volatile mother find sanctuary in each other. Fuelled by karaoke fever-dreams and the power of pop music, their fragile bond sparks a desperate bid for freedom.

“Ghost of the Currents” (“ผีเงือก [Phee-Nguek]”) - THAILAND

• Directed by Patiparn Boontarig
• Produced by Napakarn Boontarig
• Logline: After a devastating flood, a man returns to his Mekong riverside village, where the villagers blame a vengeful “River Ghost” for the disaster, but when he encounters the spirit of his lost lover, he learns that the true force haunting the river is something far greater.

“The River Knows Our Names” (“Có Dòng Sông Biết”) - VIETNAM 

• Directed by Mai Huyền Chi
• Produced by Thy Trang
• Logline: On the undocumented floating homes of the Mekong, a little girl's birthday wish tests how far love can reach when you don't officially exist.

“When the world is paused” (“ဆုံမှတ်”) - MYANMAR 

• Directed by Han Thit Htoo Aung
• Produced by Pyae Zaw Phyo
• Logline: In 2019, Than Sin falls into a coma before confessing his feelings to Nyein; when he wakes in 2025, he must find her while she struggles with mysterious dreams that could save their world.

QPM continues its mission of providing a platform for Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers to connect with leading industry professionals, secure funding for their projects, and nourish their skills in networking and pitching. 

The market also forms part of Quezon City’s larger cultural diplomacy push, reinforcing its status as the film capital of the Philippines and strengthening its bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film.

For more information on QCinema Project Market 2025, please contact [email protected]

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippines has been officially named the Focus Country for the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival Industry Program, taking place from September 18 to 27, 2025 in San Sebastián, Spain. This is the first time an Asian country has been dedicated the Focus On program by the festival. 

Since 2014, the San Sebastian Festival’s Industry Department has led the ‘Focus On’ program, a strategic initiative designed to bring together professionals from a specific country or region with the international film community. Through this platform, participants build crucial networks, engage in co-production opportunities, and experience the festival’s full slate of industry activities.

This year, ten Filipino producers will participate in this immersive industry experience, including six producers representing leading Quezon City-based production companies, two producers living in Quezon City, and two producers whose projects were selected in the QCinema Project Market.

Meet our Official Philippine Delegation:

• Geo Lomuntad – Super! Entertainment Productions
• Perci Intalan – The IDEAFirst Company
• Arleen Cuevas – Rein Entertainment Studios
• Anna Velario – ABS-CBN Studios
• Monster Jimenez – This Side Up Entertainment
• Real Florido – CreaZion Studios
• Jo Andrew Torlao – Southern Lantern Studios
• Chad Cabigon – NextLives Production
• Pauline Saltarin – Jesuit Communications Foundation
• Keith Sicat – KINO Arts 

The official QCFC delegation will be in San Sebastián from September 21 to 25, 2025 and they will be pursuing opportunities for co-financing and partnership during premiere networking events such as the Latin American and Europe Co-Production Forum—the San Sebastian Festival Industry’s initiative geared towards the development and promotion of audiovisual projects to the Spanish film market and beyond.

QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño stated, “We have a strong connection with Spain due to our historical ties and shared heritage. Through Quezon City's participation in the San Sebastian Festival, we can explore and truly appreciate this relationship further. This opens up promising avenues for co-productions and partnerships, laying the groundwork for sustained collaborations between our two nations.” 

For more information about Quezon City’s participation in international initiatives, please contact projects[email protected].

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — As the UNESCO Creative Cities Network prepares to announce its newest members, Quezon City—through the visionary support of Mayor Joy Belmonte—is strengthening its bid for the coveted City of Film designation through close cultural and industry partnerships with Spain’s leading film hubs.

Since launching its campaign, the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), led by Executive Director Liza Diño, has forged strong connections with the UNESCO Cities of Film Terrassa and Valladolid. These ties were made possible through Instituto Cervantes Manila and its Cultural Manager José Fons Guardiola, with the support of the Spanish Embassy.

“Terrassa UNESCO City of Film is proud to endorse Quezon City’s pursuit of the prestigious title,” said Jordi Hernàndez, Director at the Terrassa City Council. “It will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange, enhancing the visibility of Filipino talent and creativity on the world stage.”

Loreto Arenales Gomez, Director of the Valladolid Film Commission, echoed this support:

“[The UNESCO Film City designation] strengthens the municipal policy of cultural and creative industries, and gives special priority to the audiovisual sector. We strongly believe Quezon City deserves the same scope, as it is a vibrant global creative hub for filmmaking, taking up valuable space in the international market.”

Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored how these international alliances fuel the city’s creative ambitions:

“Quezon City’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and global ambition. The support of our Spanish partners shows the world that our vision resonates far beyond our borders. This is the kind of collaboration that will strengthen our creative industries and bring new opportunities to our filmmakers.”

The Philippines holds a unique position in Asia as one of the few countries with enduring cultural, linguistic, and creative connections to Spain. These shared sensibilities and artistic traditions make collaborations between the two countries not only natural, but rich with potential.

For Diño, Quezon City is actively pursuing this long-standing connection to explore new avenues of co-production, cultural exchange, and creative industry growth:

“Our partnership with Spain is built on trust, shared passion for cinema, and a mutual respect for each other’s stories. These affinities give us a natural foundation to work together, and Spain has been an invaluable partner in helping us showcase Quezon City’s creativity on the world stage.”

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network recognizes cities that place creativity and culture at the heart of their development strategies. If selected, Quezon City would join an elite group of global Cities of Film, further cementing its status as the Philippines’ cultural and cinematic capital.

“We’re making sure Quezon City isn’t just the heart of Philippine cinema,” Diño added, “but also a key player in film worldwide.”

—

For more information and updates on Quezon City's bid and international activities, please contact [email protected].

QCFC Supports Jason Tan Liwag’s Participation in the 2025 Locarno Critics Academy

Quezon City, Philippines — The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) extends its support for Jason Tan Liwag in his upcoming participation at the 2025 Locarno Critics Academy, which is being held during the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

Liwag currently serves as the Head of Short Film Programming and is the Founder of the QCinema Critics Lab at the QCinema International Film Festival (QCIFF). His dedication to QCinema’s mission of pioneering progressive, diverse, and artist-driven Filipino storytelling on a global stage is all the more evident in his role as a short film programmer, forging international collaborations with festivals such as Jakarta Film Week and the Busan Inter-City Film Festival.

His crucial role to the commission’s very own projects, notably serving as a moderator for the Young Creatives Challenge Season 2 (YC2) Film Lab Masterclasses, further cements his role as a key advocate for the local film community, especially for emerging filmmakers like him.

Liwag’s selection to the Locarno Critics Academy for young and talented writers marks not only a significant personal achievement but also a milestone for Quezon City’s creative and cultural sector. 

QCFC wishes for his continued success in his ten days of participation in the Locarno Critics Academy, and we trust that he will continue to bring pride and inspiration to Quezon City and the Philippines. We respectfully request all relevant offices and individuals to extend their full courtesies and assistance to Mr. Liwag in this matter.

For general inquiries or information, you may contact the  Quezon City Film Commission through their email ([email protected]) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/qcfcph).

Quezon City, Philippines — For the first time since its development, the Quezon City Film Commission welcomes renowned South Korean filmmaker Lee Sio and his team from Cannetapia Film for the 2025 Busan Intercity Residency Film Program, which one of the cross-cultural collaborations provided by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Alongside Cannes, Quezon City is hosting this international exchange which is 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/