QCinema redefines the cultural map of Quezon City
Quezon City has always had stories to tell. But this year, as the 13th QCinema International Film Festival opened on Nov. 14, the city turned those stories into a declaration, marking its new identity as the Film City of the Philippines.
The festival’s 2025 theme, “Film City,” mirrors Quezon City’s new title as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, a recognition that Mayor Joy Belmonte said was years in the making.
“It has been a long journey to get here, to this dream that we have nurtured together for over a decade,” she said. “Half of this decade’s worth of work has been dedicated to our bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film.”
For Belmonte, QCinema represents the creative soul of the city. “In honoring this legacy, QCinema has taken the cue from the thought-provoking, conscience-shaking, and cutting-edge storytelling that we know can be found in Philippine cinema,” she said.
“We are so proud that we have grown a formidable platform for outstanding filmmaking, drawing audiences from different parts of the world and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.”
The mayor described the moment as both personal and historic. “It brings me great joy to stand before you tonight and say, welcome to Quezon City, the Film City of the Philippines,” she told the crowd.
“As we open the 13th edition of QCinema, we celebrate the great strides we have made and look forward to the stories that we will discover in the years ahead.”
Over 93 films are being screened until Nov. 23 across six major malls—Gateway, Trinoma, Eastwood, Robinsons Galleria, Fishermall, and Cloverleaf—turning the city into one giant movie circuit. The lineup includes short films, documentaries, and international features, making it accessible to every type of viewer.
“We have people from all walks of life—Gen Zs, baby boomers, Gen Xs—everyone is interested in film right now,” Belmonte said, adding that the turnout proves cinema remains a shared passion across generations.
“Only in Quezon City will you be able to go to the different films that are included in our festival,” Belmonte said. “We have films for everyone, and we’re proud to say we are truly the home of Philippine cinema.”
