QCinema Launches First Project Market: Opens Networking and Funding Opportunities for PH and Southeast Asian Filmmakers

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QCinema International Film Festival is set to provide another opportunity for Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers to reach a global audience as it launches the QCinema Project Market.

The QCinema Project Market (QPM) is 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.

Newly-appointed Quezon City Film Development Commission Executive Director Liza Diño-Seguerra says “In recent years, the region has shown impressive growth in its filmmaking, with high production values that rival international standards. This is evident in the diverse co produced film projects between the Philippines and SEA showcased at major festivals like Autobiography of Makbul Mubarak (IND-SG-PH), In my Mother's Skin (PH-SG-Taiwan), Arnold is a Model Student (TH-PH-SG). With QPM, we get to support projects like that from the region and introduce them to funding and one-on-one networking opportunities so we can see their stories on the big screen.”

Through this program, which focuses on unveiling the unseen stories of Southeast Asia, QCinema will present QPM to nurture the underrepresented cultures, histories, and narratives of the Southeast Asian region.

Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers with projects in advanced stages of development are invited to participate.

To be eligible to join the program, the filmmaker must have at least a draft of the full script of a feature-length fiction film project. The film must also not yet be completed by the time QCinema 2023 commences and must not be fully financed yet.

Southeast Asian directors with at least one short of feature film may apply.

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.

Ms. Diño-Seguerra further explains, “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.”

“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” she adds.

For more information, visit the QPM website at https://qcinema.ph/grant/project-market/.

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