Long celebrated as the cradle of Philippine cinema, Quezon City now steps onto the global stage as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, making it one of the first Southeast Asian cities to receive the recognition.
Philippine cinema reached a new milestone as Quezon City was officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Film—one of the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive the distinction. More than a title to bear proudly, the designation opens the door for Quezon City to further strengthen its film industry through initiatives that protect and empower its creative workforce. Among these are the implementation of worker protection measures such as the Eddie Garcia Law (named after the late actor and filmmaker), which ensures fair wages and safe working conditions; the development of sustainable training and professionalization programs; and the pursuit of global visibility for Filipino filmmakers.
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A New Chapter Of QC Film City
The announcement comes at a fitting time, as Quezon City recently reaffirmed its identity as the heart of Philippine cinema, adopting the theme “QC Film City” for this year’s QCinema International Film Festival. With UNESCO’s recognition, that declaration is now official.
“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,” shares Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement. “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.”
She adds: “This is for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve quality access to films. Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema but the work starts again tomorrow.”
Keeping Film Alive
As Belmonte expresses, the work is never over. The Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), which spearheaded the city’s successful application to the UNESCO Creative Cities of Film Network in 2023, is now preparing to launch several key programs, including the following:
- QC Screen Academy: A public, industry-supported training hub designed to upskill the city’s film workforce. The academy will offer development, production, distribution, and marketing training for both emerging and established professionals.
- Global Producers Exchange (GPX): A collaborative platform connecting producers from Southeast Asia and fellow UNESCO Creative Cities to exchange ideas, co-develop projects, and discuss industry trends through lectures, consultations, and roundtable discussions.
- Southeast Asia Film Summit: An annual gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and film commissions from Southeast Asia and UNESCO Creative Cities that aims to promote regional collaboration, as well as address key topics such as film regulation, production incentives, and financing.
“This achievement is the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and belief in the power of storytelling to shape our collective identity,” shares QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño. “This is not just a recognition of what we have achieved: it is a call to deepen our commitment to creative governance and cultural sustainability. We are ready to take on this responsibility, to open our doors to collaboration, and to continue building a city where stories thrive and creativity empowers every citizen.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The designation places Quezon City within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, formally recognizing its role as the historic center of Philippine cinema. It opens pathways for the city to strengthen its film industry through worker protection measures, professional training programs, and increased global visibility for Filipino filmmakers.
Quezon City is among the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive the designation. The Quezon City Film Commission submitted its application to the UNESCO Creative Cities of Film Network in 2023, with the official designation announced in 2025.
The Quezon City Film Commission is preparing three key initiatives: the QC Screen Academy, a public training hub for film workforce development; the Global Producers Exchange, a platform connecting Southeast Asian and UNESCO Creative City producers; and the Southeast Asia Film Summit, an annual industry gathering addressing film regulation, financing, and regional collaboration.
The Eddie Garcia Law, named after the late Filipino actor and filmmaker, mandates fair wages and safe working conditions for film industry workers. Its implementation is among the worker protection measures Quezon City is prioritizing as part of its commitments under the UNESCO Creative City of Film designation.
Quezon City is home to a foundational legacy in Philippine film history, having housed major studios including Sampaguita Pictures and shaped the careers of iconic figures such as Lino Brocka, Nora Aunor, Dolphy, and Fernando Poe Jr. The city hosts the QCinema International Film Festival and established the Quezon City Film Commission to support its ongoing creative economy.
