New Pop Up Film Residency and Film Academy of the Philippines Collaboration to Support Filipino Filmmakers and Production Designers

Pop Up Film Residency, in collaboration with the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), announces two new international residency awards: one for a Philippine project at the 2025 QCinema Project Market (QPM) and another for Filipino production designers through an open national call.

Pop up Film Residency and Film Academy of the Philippines  will offer the Project Award to one Philippine project selected from QPM, with a focus on works that show strong potential for international co-production. In addition, Pop Up launches its first-ever Skill Up Award, a residency opportunity dedicated to emerging Filipino production designers seeking to elevate their craft and engage in international collaboration and mentorship.

Through the FAP × Pop Up Film Residency Project Award and Skill Up Award, the partnership aims not only to strengthen the skills of Filipino filmmakers so they can compete globally, but also to uplift the craft of filmmaking here in the Philippines — most especially in Quezon City.
 

“The Pop-Up Film Residency partnership as our official project award partners reflects a shared commitment to capacity building — preparing Filipino filmmakers and film workers to meet international standards while nurturing excellence at home. Through the FAP × Pop-Up Project Award and Skill Up Award, we aim not only to strengthen our filmmakers’ skills so they can compete globally, but also to uplift the craft of filmmaking here in the Philippines — most especially here in Quezon City. We’re proud that Quezon City continues to pave the way and bridge these kinds of meaningful collaborations that empower our creative community and open new doors for regional partnerships.”

QCFC Executive Director, Liza Diño

“We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with QCinema Industry and the Film Academy of the Philippines through two new residency awards that reflect Pop Up Film Residency’s core mission, to nurture creative talent and foster international collaboration. By supporting both a promising Filipino film project and emerging production designers, we aim to strengthen creative exchange between Southeast Asia and the global film community, empowering new voices and perspectives to flourish.”

Pop Up Film Residency, Managing Director, Antonia Girardi

“The revamped Film Academy of the Philippines is proud to be part of the Pop Up Film Residency initiative as it directly empowers Filipino filmmakers by providing world-class mentorship and international exposure that will enhance the skills of our chosen talent. This Residency aligns perfectly with the Academy’s mission to nurture cultural diversity and professional excellence. By collaborating with TATINO and its prestigious partners, the Academy strengthens its mandate of upskilling film workers, ensuring that uniquely Filipino stories receive the support needed to resonate far beyond local shores, ultimately enriching both national pride and the international film landscape.”

FAP Director General, Paolo Villaluna
 

This unique initiative reflects a growing synergy among institutions committed to strengthening Southeast Asia’s global footprint in cinema. Presented through the QCinema Project Market (QPM), the flagship industry initiative of QCinema Industry, the program also supports the mission of the Film Academy of the Philippines—the country’s counterpart to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—to champion Filipino film professionals and expand their opportunities on the global stage. Both programs are made possible through the financial support of the FAP.

The initiative is spearheaded by Tatino Films, a global company known for championing international collaborations and creating tailored development opportunities for emerging and experienced film talents through its Pop Up Film Residency network, which has supported over a hundred filmmakers globally in the program.

Applications for Filipino production designers open on October 30, 2025, with selected residents to be announced during the QCinema Project Market in November. Residencies will take place in 2026 at one of Pop Up Film Residency’s global host locations.

For more information on local and international partnerships, kindly contact [email protected].