QCinema International Film Festival's 13th edition centers on theme 'Film City'

The QCinema International Film Festival returns for its 13th edition, putting the spotlight on its theme, "Film City," which celebrates Quezon City's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Film and its role as a rising hub for Philippine cinema.

Running until November 23, the film festival will screen 93 titles across 12 sections, including 33 short films.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that QCinema remains a proud platform for Filipino and international filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and creativity.

"With Quezon City now recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, we carry with us the legacy of generations of storytellers, production studios, artists, and industry workers who built our creative foundations," Belmonte said in a press release.

The festival opened on November 14 with the premiere of Alice Winocour's "Couture," starring Angelina Jolie.

The QCinema International Film Festival's core competition sections include:

Asian Next Wave

• "A Useful Ghost"
• "Diamonds in the Sand"
• "Family Matters"
• "Ky Nam Inn"
• "Lost Land"
• "Luz"
• "Open Endings"
• "Renoir"
• "The World of Love"

RainbowQC

• "3670"
• "Bel Ami"
• "Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingoes"
• "On the Road"
• "Skin of Youth"
• "Strange River"
• "Summer's Camera"
• "The Little Sister"

New Horizons

• "Amoeba"
• "Blue Heron"
• "Brand New Landscape"
• "Chronology of Water"
• "DJ Ahmet"
• "Lucky Lu"
• "Manas"
• "On Your Lap"
• "The President's Cake"

QCinema also continues to uplift emerging talents through QCShorts International, presenting 21 films, including six world premieres from QCShorts 2025 grantees.

Aside from the competition, QCinema has unveiled exhibition programs that include a total of 22 entries for Screen International, Before Midnight, Rediscovery, and QC Selects.

New this year are Dokyu Days, which focus on documentaries, and Focus On: Sandra Hüller, organized in partnership with Goethe-Institut Manila.

The film screenings are being held in Gateway, Robinsons Galleria, Eastwood, Trinoma, Fishermall, and Cloverleaf. Tickets are priced at P250.

Aside from Quezon City, Dumaguete City is also now part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a Creative City of Literature.

Other Philippine cities part of the UCCN are Baguio City (Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, 2017), Cebu City (Creative City of Design, 2019), and Iloilo City (Creative City of Gastronomy, 2023). —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News