QCIFF 2015 offers QCinema Forum Series

MANILA, Philippines - In addition to a stellar movie selection, the Quezon City Film Festival (QCIFF) 2015 will also stage QCinema Forum Series, a string of film discourses participated by illustrious names in the industry from Oct. 26 to 29 at the Quezon City Museum, Gateway Mall, Trinoma and Robinsons Galleria cinemas.

QCIFF is an annual film festival that promotes Quezon City as the country’s filmmaking capital. It is also best known for allocating generous grants for the creation of new films through contests such as Circle Competition for New Filmmakers and DoQC International Documentary.

Traditionally, the QCIFF stages informative seminars in directing and cinematography. Now on its third year, the festival continues to expand its reach by offering more workshops that explore a wider range of topics including animation, film restoration and the production process, among others.

On Oct. 26, QCIFF competition directors will talk about their journey in producing their works in Reality Bites: DoQC Documentary Filmmakers and Indie Circle: Circle Competition Filmmakers. Award-winning playwright and film critic Ed Cabagnot will preside the two fora.

An in-depth discussion about the celebrated history film, Heneral Luna will take place on Oct. 27. Interaksyon editor-in-chief Roby Alampay will moderate the discussion titled The Heneral Luna Revolution: Game Changer in Film. This will be co-presented with InterAksyon.com.

On the same day, First Academy of Computer Arts (FACA), one of the country’s leading providers of digital design technology courses, will talk about animation and the processes involved in this 21st century art form.

Meanwhile, Andrew Leavold, an expert on Filipino B films, will touch on the history of local films in a discourse titled, Classic Films, Cult Movies, and Sleeper Hits on Oct. 27. Joining him in the forum is ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project head Leo Katigbak. Multi-award winning editor Manet Dayrit will handle the arbitration in the discourse.

On the same day, Circle Competition screenwriters Monster Jimenez, Lilit Reyes, Jen Chuaunsu, Bryan Gonzales and Arnel Mardoquio will share to the audience their storytelling wisdom in a forum called From Concept Development to Final Draft. Actress Jinky Laurel will lead the discussion.

Film critic and writer Philbert Dy will moderate Global Film Platforms, the last forum on Oc. 29 that will have Roger Garcia and Lorna Tee as guest speakers. Garcia will talk about the state of the international festival circuit, while Tee will shed light on the business of international film financing.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, in her speech at the recently held press conference, encouraged artists to consider the city as a refuge where they can freely hone their talent and create masterpieces.

“We want you to feel at home here. If you have creative and innovative ideas, something that you want to carry out, you can do it here in Quezon City,” she stated.

QCinema International Film Festival 2015, founded three years ago, continues to deliver innovative programs to solidify the city’s status as the center of arts and culture in the country. By offering an enriching cultural milieu to filmmakers and cinephiles, QCIFF persists in creating a community that will benefit different artists.

QCIFF 2015 will offer 11 movie sections in addition to Circle Competition for New Filmmakers and DoQC International Documentary. Screen International will present films from foreign directors, Rainbow QC will feature movies that explore varying themes of sexuality, Music Genius will give a closer look at the rise and fall of musicians, while Special Children’s Screenings will showcase films fit for the whole family.

QCIFF 2015 will be held in malls near three strategic MRT stops namely North Avenue, Cubao and Ortigas.