QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –The QCinema International Film Festival is calling for young filmmakers from Southeast Asia to join its new international short film competition where they can have a chance to have their films get a Philippine premiere.
By joining, participants will have access to the QCinema Project Market (QPM), a platform for Southeast Asian filmmakers and producers to secure funding, expand their networks, gain exposure, develop their skills, and contribute to the growth of the international film industry. Over 15 million pesos in grants will be available.
“This program is in line with the goal to position QCinema as one of the top Southeast Asian film festivals and introduce it as a global hub for Southeast Asian cinema,” newly-appointed Quezon City Film Development Commission Executive Director Liza Diño-Seguerra said.
“The market will also facilitate more collaboration and co-production opportunities between Filipino, and Southeast Asian filmmakers, and international partners that would contribute to the growth and development of the regional film industry” Diño-Seguerra added.
Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers with projects in advanced stages of development are invited to participate.
Eligible to join the program are filmmakers that have at least a draft of the full script of a feature-length fiction film project.
The film must not yet be completed and must not be fully financed yet.
To join, filmmakers must complete an online application form complete with the logline, synopsis, director’s statement, production schedule, treatment, financial plan, production cost, and the profiles of the director, producer, and production company. Sample reels may also be submitted, if available.
Preference will be given to projects that highlight unique aspects of Southeast Asian culture and history. Films that demonstrate potential for international appeal will also have an advantage.
Deadline of submission of entries is September 15, 2023. Fifteen entries will be chosen to participate in the film market, slated from November 18-20, 2023, in conjunction with the QCinema International Film Festival.
Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to pitch to possible investors, network with possible collaborators, get mentorship, and attend workshops.
For more information, visit the QPM website at https://qcinema.ph/grant/project-market/.
