QUEZON CITY WELCOMES SOUTH KOREAN FILMMAKERS FOR THE 2025 BUSAN INTERCITY RESIDENCY FILM PROGRAM
June 27, 2025
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
🌐 www.qcfilmcommission.ph