Today marks the start of a new era for Philippine cinema, as Quezon City has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Film—one of the first Southeast Asian cities to receive this recognition.
The UNESCO Film City designation provides Quezon City the opportunity to strengthen its film industry by 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.
This announcement is timely, given Quezon City’s recent move to declare itself as the heart of Philippine cinema, adopting the theme “QC Film City” for this year’s QCinema International Film Festival. With this designation, QC Film City is now official.
In a statement, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said, “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. 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.
Mayor Belmonte added, “This is for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve quality access to films. Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema but the work starts again tomorrow.” Mayor Belmonte stressed Quezon City’s initiatives continue to spotlight local film workers and show quality films to everyday QCitizens.
The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), which had spearheaded the city’s application to the UNESCO Creative City of Film Network in 2023, will undertake the following initiatives:
QC Screen Academy: A public, industry-supported training hub that enhances Quezon City’s film workforce by offering skills development in film development, production, distribution, and marketing for both newcomers and experienced professionals.
Global Producers Exchange (GPX): A platform connecting film producers from Southeast Asia and UNESCO Creative Cities to collaborate on projects, share insights, and discuss industry trends through lectures, consultations, and roundtable discussions.
Southeast Asia Film Summit: An annual event bringing together industry leaders, film commissions, cultural agencies, and policymakers from Southeast Asia and UNESCO Creative Cities to discuss regulations, production incentives, and financing, promoting regional collaboration and industry growth.
QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño stated, “This achievement is the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and belief in the power of storytelling to shape our collective identity. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mayor Joy Belmonte, whose unwavering vision and trust empowered us to embark on this journey—from the moment we first dreamed of it, to this incredible realization today. Her leadership has shown that creativity is not an afterthought of governance, but its very soul.”
She added, ‘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.”
For more information on the Quezon City’s designation as Film City and other local initiatives, kindly contact hello.qcfc@gmail.com
