Quezon City joined UNESCOCreative Cities of Film Network, becoming one of the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive this designation.
The Philippine metropolis joins a global network of 26 film cities spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas. Bradford, UK won the first title in 2009, followed by Sydney in 2010. Other participants include Busan, Galway, Rome, Bristol, Mumbai, Sao Paulo and Wellington. Quezon City and Giza (Egypt) were among the latest entrants in the 2025 nomination round.
The recognition came as the Philippine metropolis adopted its identity as QC Film City during this year's QCinema International Film Festival. The city previously declared itself the heart of Philippine cinema by adopting the QC Film City theme for the festival.
“QC Film City is now a name that will forever live on in the legacy of every director, artist and storyteller who has shaped our city’s vibrant film heritage,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “From the golden era of Sampaguita Pictures and brilliant icons like Lino Broca, 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.”
The UNESCO designation allows Quezon City to strengthen labor protections through the Eddie Garcia Act, guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions for film industry workers. The city also plans to develop sustainable talent development programs and achieve global recognition for Filipino filmmakers.
Leading the city's bid for 2023, the Quezon City Film Commission has three main initiatives: QC Screen Academy, a government-run training center offering skill development in film development, production, distribution and marketing; Global Maker Exchange – a platform that brings together makers from Southeast Asia and other UNESCO Creative Cities for collaboration; and the Southeast Asia Film Summit, an annual gathering of industry leaders, film commissions and policymakers to discuss regulations, incentives and funding.
“This achievement is the culmination of years of collaboration, vision and belief in the power of storytelling to shape our collective identity,” said QCFC Executive Director Lisa Diño, citing Belmonte’s “unwavering vision” as an important milestone. “Her leadership showed that creativity is not an afterthought of management, but the very soul of management.”
Diño stressed that the appointment represents “a call to deepen our commitment to creative stewardship and cultural sustainability,” adding that the city is “ready to take on this responsibility, open doors to collaboration, and continue to build a city where stories thrive and creativity empowers every citizen.”
Belmonte stressed that while the recognition is a significant achievement, “the work begins again tomorrow,” with initiatives continuing to highlight local filmmakers and ensure residents have access to quality films.
