Quezon City has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film – one of the first Southeast Asian cities to earn the designation – spotlighting its recent move to declare itself as the ‘heart of Philippine cinema.’
The declaration is a timely recognition with the approaching QCinema International Film Festival, as this year’s iteration will have the theme ‘QC Film City.’
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the designation solidified the city’s legacy, echoing the efforts of its filmmakers, creatives, artists and storytellers through the years.
‘QC Film City is now a name that will forever be etched in the legacy of every filmmaker, artist, and storyteller who has shaped our city’s vibrant film heritage,’ she said in a press statement.
‘From the golden era of Sampaguita Pictures and the brilliance of icons like Lino Brocka, Dolphy, Nora Aunor and Fernando Poe Jr., to the new generation of creators bringing our stories to life today – this recognition honors each and every one of them,’ she continued.
According to the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), the designation opened more opportunities to beef up its film industry through ‘enforcing worker protection policies such as the Eddie Garcia Law to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions; developing sustainable talent and professionalization programs to uplift the local film workforce; and pursuing global recognition for Filipino filmmakers.’
The QCFC executive director Liza Diño said the recognition is a culmination of the city’s efforts to push for storytelling as an effort to shape collective identity.
‘This is not just a recognition of what we have achieved – it is a call to deepen our commitment to creative governance and cultural sustainability. We are ready to take on this responsibility, to open our doors to collaboration, and to continue building a city where stories thrive and creativity empowers every citizen,’ she said.
Following this milestone, the QCFC announced the following initiatives to provide more opportunities for filmmakers and creatives, namely, the QC Screen Academy, Global Producers Exchange (GPX) and the Southeast Asia Film Summit.