QCinema International Film Festival announces QCinema Industry 2026, the latest edition of the festival’s official industry platform, taking place from November 18 to 20 as part of the 2026 festival, which runs from November 14 to 23.
QCinema Industry brings together stakeholders from across the film ecosystem, from filmmakers and producers to government agencies, film commissions, UNESCO Creative Cities, guilds, cultural institutions, and the private sector, to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen the Philippine screen industry while fostering collaboration across Asia.
This year’s edition will be led by acclaimed filmmaker and producer Quark Henares, who has been named Head of QCinema Industry. He will oversee a program designed to support filmmakers through meaningful conversations, professional development, and opportunities for collaboration with local and international industry leaders.
“I’m very proud and excited to join the QCinema team. It’s my favorite festival in the region, and over the years I’ve been fortunate to be part of it in different ways—as a sponsor, panelist, juror, and even DJ. Officially joining the team feels like finally being accepted into a club I’ve wanted to be part of for years. We have major plans for this year’s industry program, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone,” said Henares.
One of this year’s highlights is ScreenQC Talks, a new flagship conversation series that succeeds the former Asian Next Wave Film Forum. Named after ScreenQC, the QCinema Screen Commission, the series reflects Quezon City’s commitment to supporting filmmakers beyond the festival through industry development, education, and international exchange. ScreenQC Talks will bring together leading filmmakers, producers, executives, and creative leaders to discuss the artistic, cultural, technological, and business forces shaping the future of cinema.
The program will also present Dokyu Days, a forum dedicated to documentary filmmaking that explores the craft, challenges, and evolving landscape of nonfiction storytelling.
QCinema Industry will offer a series of masterclasses led by acclaimed local and international film practitioners. The program will also feature case studies that take a closer look at notable films and productions, offering practical insights into their creative and production processes.
Further strengthening collaboration across the creative sector, QCinema Industry will host two Creative Cities Network Roundtables led by Quezon City in its capacity as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. The first will bring together representatives from the Philippines’ UNESCO Creative Cities to discuss how culture and creativity can drive local development and strengthen the country’s creative economy. The second will convene fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Film from across Asia, including Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Yamagata, and Qingdao, to exchange best practices, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss how cities can build thriving and sustainable film ecosystems.
Also part of the program is the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) Pitch: X-Pand, powered by QCinema, Film Academy of the Philippines, and ScreenQC, where filmmakers will present their projects to local and international industry professionals, including confirmed representatives from Bangkok and Vietnam. Details of this year’s open call will be announced soon.
The full QCinema Industry program will be announced in the coming weeks.