In a groundbreaking move 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 QC. During the film industry’s golden era in the 1950s and 1960s, QC was the cradle for major studios like Sampaguita Pictures and LVN Pictures, producing nearly 300 films annually.
Today, Quezon City continues to be the central hub for filmmaking in the Philippines, housing the country’s highest concentration of production companies and screen enterprises. With 130 registered screen businesses, six national broadcast networks, and nearly 100 cinemas, Quezon City’s film industry generated USD 37 million in local film revenues over the two years of 2022-2023.
Driving Innovation and Excellence
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Chairperson of the Quezon City Film Commission, 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 Commission (QCFC) 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 Dino, Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission, expressed her enthusiasm. She said, “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. Quezon City’s bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) underscores our commitment to recognizing our workers as the heart of our thriving global film industry. To achieve excellence, we must create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures both creators and workers. With the landmark Eddie Garcia Law, which sets sector-specific standards for safety, health, and working conditions, we are poised to build an industry that truly values its workforce.”
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) also known as QCinema, 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. In partnership with Arri Academy, CMB Film Services, Inc., the country’s biggest equipment rental company, organizes camera training and lighting workshops.
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 QCinema, 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 Us in Supporting Quezon City’s Bid
The preparation for Quezon City’s UCCN application began in 2023, and it has been a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from various sectors. On August 30, QCFC submitted the application to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the UNESCO National Commission to the Philippines (UNACOM) for preselection. Two candidates will be chosen to represent the Philippines in next year’s bid.
“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, QCinema Film Foundation President and Head of Asian Next Wave Film Forum, added.
We invite you to join us in supporting Quezon City’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film. Together, we can continue to foster a thriving film industry that honors the past, embraces the present, and shapes the future.
For more information and to support Quezon City’s bid, please visit the Facebook page of the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC).
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About Quezon City:
Quezon City, the largest city within Metro Manila, is a dynamic metropolis known for its rich cinematic heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Home to a thriving film industry, top-tier educational institutions, and diverse communities, Quezon City is dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusive development.
