Quezon City has officially been named a UNESCO Creative City of Film, recognizing its deep cultural impact and pivotal role in shaping Philippine cinema.
In a statement shared on Facebook on October 31, Mayor Joy Belmonte said the designation is a historic moment that cements the city’s reputation as the heart of the country’s film industry.
“QC Film City is now a name that will forever be etched in the legacy of every filmmaker, artist, and storyteller who has shaped our city’s vibrant film heritage,” Belmonte said.
She paid tribute to legendary figures from the city’s cinematic golden age — Lino Brocka, Dolphy, Nora Aunor, and Fernando Poe Jr. — and to the new generation of storytellers who continue to bring Filipino narratives to life.
Belmonte also emphasized that the recognition extends beyond filmmakers, honoring the collective effort of the industry and the people of Quezon City.
“This is always for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve quality access to films,” she said.
The mayor described the UNESCO title as both a celebration of achievement and a call to sustain creative excellence.
“Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema, but the work starts again tomorrow,” Belmonte said.
The recognition places Quezon City among UNESCO’s global network of Creative Cities, alongside other hubs that champion creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development — affirming its role as the cinematic capital of the Philippines.