Quezon City Film Commission and QCinema Launch Expanded Industry Programs at the 78th Cannes Film Festival

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