QC eyes own film fest; shots must show city landmarks

ON LOCATION. The Quezon Memorial Circle entices filmmakers. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Since Quezon City promotes itself as the “City of Stars,” why not have its own film festival?

In support of aspiring filmmakers, the Quezon City government has created a commission in charge of launching a film festival which hopes to inspire especially young cinematic talents.

The Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC), created by virtue of a local ordinance, hopes to promote the country’s film industry and boost the careers of budding film directors, scriptwriters, actors and actresses.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, the commission’s cochairperson, said the 2012 Quezon City Film Festival will be open to aspiring filmmakers. (See related story on Page F5.)

In a statement, the official said they wish to “encourage artists to create well-crafted movies based on nationalism, positive Filipino values, gender-sensitivity, freedom and excellence.”

But there’s a catch: At least one of the film’s proponents must be a Quezon City resident, and the completed film must also show at least one scene shot in a distinctive area in Quezon City.

Belmonte said the commission will offer production grants to three finalists who will receive P800,000 each for the production of their films.

Film proponents will have rights to the completed film but the commission will also have rights to use it in selected QCFDC events.

The selected completed films will be shown in December this year and will have a red carpet launching at a local cinema.

“Quezon City, the ‘city of the stars’ is pushing to further establish itself as the country’s entertainment capital and later, as a premier international hotbed of the movie industry,” Belmonte said.

A one-stop-shop will be on hand to assist producers and filmmakers in securing the necessary permits and similar requirements for their location shoots in Quezon City, she added.

Quezon City is host to the country’s major TV and radio studios and big-ticket entertainment venues.