The 11th edition of the QCinema International Films Festival had a successful kick-off at Atmos Cinema 5, Gateway Cineplex 10. A total of 65 films will be showcased across ten distinct sections, encompassing both competitions and premiere shows like Asian Next Wave, QCShorts, QCSEA, QC Dox, Screen International, New Horizons, Restored Classics, RainbowQC, Before Midnight, and Special Screenings. The festival will take place in various theaters in Quezon City, including Gateway Cineplex, Robinsons Movieworld Magnolia, Ayala Malls Cinemas, UP Town Center, Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-la Plaza, and Power Plant Cinema.
Photo by: Facebook/Qcinema
Notable personalities from the industry graced the opening night, adding glitz to the red carpet. Screenwriter Ricky Lee, Filmmakers Pepe Diokno, Quark Henares, and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, as well as actors Ricky Davao, Ara Davao, Iana Bernardez, Khalil Ramos, and Dolly de Leon, were among the distinguished attendees.
Executive Director Liza Dino-Seguerra officially declared the commencement of the film festival, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte extended a warm welcome to the festival’s delegates, acknowledging their crucial role in making the partnership possible. QC First District Congressman Arjo Atayde, Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts, graced the night. Festival Artistic Director Ed Lejano officially launched the 9-day film fest.
QCinema presents a rich array of films that have earned accolades at prestigious festivals. The opening film, “Poor Things,” a dark comedy that was shocking, fascinating, and endlessly weird film snagged the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, featuring stellar performances by Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo. The festival will culminate with “The Breaking Ice” by Anthony Chen from Singapore, a film recognized in the Un Certain Regard section and designated as the country’s entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. The stage is set for an exciting and culturally enriching cinematic experience.
QCinema believes that this festival is the time to show the homegrown talents of the filipino and the filmmakers industry. As it said by Ms. Liza Dino-Seguerra. She added, “Let’s Establish ourselves as a creative hub for filmmaking, a place where stories are told, emotions are heard, dreams are realized.”
Scheduled to run from November 17 to 26, this festival promises to be a celebration of homegrown creativity and cinematic prowess. For those eager to catch the screenings, the detailed schedule can be found at https://qcinema.ph/schedule/. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a world where Filipino stories take center stage.
