To elevate its standing in the global film industry, Quezon City has officially announced its bid to become a Unesco Creative City of Film. This ambitious initiative underscores Quezon City’s rich cinematic heritage and continued commitment to fostering creativity, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting inclusive development.
A rich legacy in film
Quezon City, home to 3.2 million residents, is a vibrant metropolis known as the “City of Stars.” It has been pivotal in shaping the Philippine film industry’s history. Esteemed National Artists for Film, such as Lino Brocka and Fernando Poe Jr., have all rooted their creative endeavors in Quezon City. During the film industry’s golden era in the 1950s and 1960s, the city was the cradle for major studios like Sampaguita Pictures and LVN Pictures, producing nearly 300 films annually.
Today, Quezon City continues to be the main hub for filmmaking in the Philippines, housing the country’s highest concentration of production companies and screen enterprises. With 130 registered production companies and screen enterprises, six national broadcast networks, and nearly 100 cinemas, Quezon City’s film industry generated $37 million in local film revenues over the two-year period of 2022-2023.
Driving innovation and excellence
Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the significance of this bid, stating, “Becoming a Unesco Creative City of Film is not just a recognition of our past achievements but an opportunity to redefine our future in the global film community.”
The Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC) has been at the forefront of this initiative, working closely with stakeholders from the city government, academia, film guilds, cultural sectors, and civil society. Extensive consultations with the local film workforce have addressed their concerns about current industry practices, making workers central to the city’s sustainable film industry roadmap.
Liza Diño, executive director of the Quezon City Film Commission, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am truly honored to have been entrusted by our dear mayor to take the lead in applying Quezon City as a Creative City of Film. This is a legacy that will elevate the craft of filmmaking in the country through Quezon City’s initiatives.”
The QCinema International Film Festival showcases local and international films, documentaries, and short films, and gives grants to their creators.
Fostering a thriving film ecosystem
Quezon City’s commitment to the film industry is reflected in its numerous film festivals, educational programs, and cultural spaces. The Quezon City International Film Festival (QCIFF), now in its 12th edition, has been the country’s most prominent international film festival, screening nearly 1,000 local and international titles since its inception. The city has also hosted significant festivals such as the PeliKULAYa LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, the Metro Manila Film Festival, and Kinofest by Goethe-Institut.
Educational institutions like the Mowelfund Film Institute and the Asia Pacific Film Institute provide technical and vocational training opportunities, ensuring that Quezon City’s film workforce remains skilled and adaptable. Additionally, CMB Films, the country’s biggest equipment rental company, in partnership with Arri Academy, organizes workshops in camera training and lighting.
The future of Quezon City’s film industry
Securing the Unesco designation is expected to bring significant benefits, including enhanced global reputation, increased investment, and elevated industry standards. Quezon City’s bid aligns with the Philippine Creative Economy Roadmap 2030, which envisions the Philippines as the leading creative economy in Southeast Asia. Quezon City aims to turn challenges into opportunities by leveraging creativity as a driver for action, ensuring the city’s commitment to film and culture.
Ed Lejano, Artistic Director of Quezon City International Film Festival, added, “As someone who has been part of Quezon City’s film legacy, I am excited about the potential this Unesco designation holds for our local industry and the wider global cinematic community.”
Join in supporting Quezon City’s bid
The preparation for Quezon City’s Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) application began in 2023, and it has been a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from various sectors. The Quezon Film Commission has submitted the application to both the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Unesco Philippines Commission for preselection. Two candidates will be chosen to represent the Philippines in next year’s bid.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Quezon City Film Commission Executive Director Liza Diño
“This bid represents the collective effort of all stakeholders in Quezon City’s film industry, showing our commitment to fostering creativity, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting inclusive development.” Manet Dayrit, Quezon City Film Foundation President and Head of Asian Next Wave Film Forum added.
Quezon City invites everyone to support its bid to become a Unesco Creative City of Film, contributing to the continued growth of a vibrant film industry that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and shapes the future.
For more information and to support Quezon City’s bid, please visit the Quezon City Film Commission’s Facebook page.
Quezon City continues to be the main hub for filmmaking in the Philippines, housing the country’s highest concentration of production companies and screen enterprises.
The Quezon City Film Commission team
QCinema also offered free film screenings at Quezon Memorial Circle.
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