The Philippines’ QCinema International Film Festival is gearing up for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with the global launch of QCinema Industry, a year-round professional platform designed to establish Quezon City as Southeast Asia’s leading film hub.

This expansion signifies a major evolution for the 13-year-old festival, as it aims to enhance the region’s footprint in the global content ecosystem. By promoting co-production, talent development, and policy dialogue across the Philippine and Southeast Asian film sectors, QCinema is set to make a significant impact.

“We’re excited to showcase QCinema Industry at Cannes, the world’s most esteemed film festival, highlighting the growing influence and aspirations of Southeast Asian cinema,” stated Liza Diño, who leads this new initiative.

Diño underscored the program’s strong focus on documentaries: “A dedicated documentary section is crucial for any world-class festival. It affirms the power of non-fiction storytelling to unveil truths, spark dialogue, and drive social impact. Through initiatives like QCinema Dokyu Days, we acknowledge that documentaries are not merely reflections of reality but also catalysts for change.”

The Cannes delegation represents QCinema’s dual strategy: showcasing Filipino cinema on the international stage while curating exceptional global content for local audiences.

“Cannes has always been a platform for discovery—where new voices in cinema are recognized and celebrated,” remarked Ed Lejano, QCinema’s artistic director. “It’s where we find films to bring home for Filipino audiences—works they might not otherwise encounter. Simultaneously, it’s an opportunity to connect our filmmakers with the global industry, positioning QCinema as a vital hub in Southeast Asia.”

The QCinema Project Market (QPM), now entering its third edition, has already proven its value as a regional talent incubator. Several past QPM selections have gained international acclaim, including Don’t Cry, Butterfly, which won two awards at Venice and the QCinema grand jury prize, and Tale of the Land, which received the Fipresci prize at Busan’s New Currents section.

Scheduled for November 17-23 in Quezon City’s Araneta City district, the comprehensive program includes five key components. QCinema Dokyu Days (Nov. 17-18) will feature a two-day documentary focus with screenings and an Impact Lab led by international mentors from Doc Society/GIPA. The QCinema Project Market (Nov. 19-22) will connect Southeast Asian projects in advanced development with potential co-producers, sales agents, and financiers.

The QCinema Asian Next Wave Film Forum (Nov. 22-23) will host panels discussing the Film City concept, emphasizing gender equity, sustainability, and emerging technologies. “The Film City concept transcends mere sound stages and festivals—it’s about creating ecosystems where cinema flourishes, artists are supported, and culture drives urban transformation,” explained Manet Dayrit, who leads the forum. “Quezon City’s commitment to this vision through QCinema Industry is a model worth observing.”

QCinema Creative Industries Day (Nov. 19) will feature a summit focused on creative infrastructure, policy, and Quezon City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. The QCinema Critics Lab, running throughout the festival, will offer an immersive mentorship program for eight emerging Philippine film critics under 30, led by critic Jason Tan Liwag.

In an exciting development, Bleat!—a co-production between Malaysia, the Philippines, and France directed by Ananth Subramaniam—is competing in this year’s Cannes Critics’ Week short film program, marking the first Malaysian short film ever selected for Cannes. Subramaniam previously won at QPM with his feature project The Passport.

Additionally, Arvin Belarmino, whose feature project Ria was selected for QPM 2023, has his new work Agapito featured in this year’s Cannes short film competition.