For the first time, a short film program will kick off the QCinema International Film Festival. Now in its 12th edition, the festival will open with the Asian premiere of Directors’ Factory Philippines, an omnibus film project initiated by Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. The film debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
The four short films featured are “Walay Balay,” directed by Eve Baswel from the Philippines and Gogularaajan Rajendran from Malaysia; “Nightbirds,” directed by Maria Estela Paiso from the Philippines and Ashok Vish from India; “Silig,” directed by Arvin Belarmino from the Philippines and Lomorpich Rithy (aka YoKi) from Cambodia; and “Cold Cut,” directed by Don Eblahan from the Philippines and Tan Siyou from Singapore.
Directors’ Factory Philippines is the first Directors’ Factory program to take place in Southeast Asia since its inception in 2013 in Taiwan.
Each year, it collaborates with a new partner country to mentor eight promising filmmakers at the start of their careers: four from the partner country, and four from other nations. They work in pairs to develop new short form works, which are then combined into an omnibus film.
“Opening QCinema with Directors’ Factory sets the stage for a festival focused on creative exploration, inviting audiences to gaze upon new perspectives in cinema,” says Ed Lejano, QCinema Artistic Director.
Directors’ Factory is the first international venture of QCinema and the Quezon City Film Commission under the QCinema Project Market, in collaboration with Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
“Walay Balay” tells the story of a mother and daughter who evacuate during wartime to a safe neighborhood they will come to call home. The film stars Shaina Magdayao and Ruby Ruiz.
“Nightbirds” follows Ivy as she receives help from the mystical Tigmamanukan bird, sent by the bird council to assist her in breaking free from her husband, who squanders their money on cockfighting.
“Silig” features a stubborn woman battling cancer as she returns to her hometown to arrange her own cremation. The film stars veteran actresses Sylvia Sanchez and Angel Aquino.
“Cold Cut” centers on auditions for a talent show and a mysterious stranger, with a cast composed entirely of residents from Dapitan City.
Focus on Shorts
In addition to its opener, the 2024 edition of QCinema will screen a total of 22 short films, including Directors’ Factory.
“Short films are essential in conveying stories through various viewpoints, giving filmmakers a platform to share their unique narratives. They immerse viewers in diverse experiences that challenge conventions and spark meaningful conversations,” explains Lejano.
This year, QCShorts evolved into QCShorts International, where six short film grantees will compete alongside outstanding shorts from all over Southeast Asia. The initiative is guided by the belief that these recipients of the seed grant can be showcased alongside the best short films from the region.
Aside from the competition program, QCinema will also showcase six short films from Filipino filmmakers for exhibition.
