Quezon City is now a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Film, one of the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive such recognition.
“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 Joy Belmonte said.
“This is for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve access to quality films. Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema, but the work starts again tomorrow,” she added.
She maintained that Quezon City’s initiatives will continue to spotlight local film workers and show quality films to everyday QCitizens.
The UNESCO Film City designation provides Quezon City with 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.
It also paves the way for developing sustainable talent and professionalization programs to uplift the local film workforce and pursue global recognition for Filipino filmmakers.
Belmonte pointed out that UNESCO’s 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 the QCinema International Film Festival 2025.
