Creative Cities Collaboration Takes Center Stage at Montañosa Film Festival 2026

(L-R) Department of Tourism Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Baguio Creative City Council Co-Chair Marie Venus Tan, Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna, Montañosa Film Festival Founder and Festival Director Ferdinand Balanag, and QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano. 

 

A collaboration between two UNESCO Creative Cities will take center stage at the Montañosa Film Festival 2026 as the QCinema International Film Festival, representing Quezon City – UNESCO Creative City of Film, extends its support to the festival in Baguio City, UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

The partnership highlights the growing cooperation between Philippine creative cities and demonstrates how cinema and culture can connect communities while amplifying diverse Filipino voices. 

“We are deeply grateful to the filmmakers, partners, and communities who continue to believe in the power of regional cinema. What began as a response to challenging times has grown into a vibrant cultural movement. This year is especially meaningful as we help forge a creative alliance between two members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Quezon City and Baguio City- strengthening collaboration in cinema and the arts,” says Ferdinand Balanag, founder and festival director of Montañosa Film Festival.

As part of this collaboration, QCinema brings a special screening of six films from its QCShorts program to the Montañosa Film Festival.

The QCShorts lineup includes Si Kara: Ang Babaye Nga Nag Daba-Daba (2025) directed by Dale; Surface Tensiondirected by The Serrano Sisters; Hoy, Hoy, Ingat (2025) directed by Norvin de los Santos; Kinakausap ni Celso Ang Diyos directed by Gilb Baldoza; Water Sports directed by Whammy Alcazaren; and Honey, My Love, So Sweetdirected by JT Trinidad. Together, these films showcase the bold storytelling and diverse perspectives that QCinema continues to champion through its short film program.

“This initial partnership between two UNESCO Creative Cities, Baguio for Crafts and Folk Arts, and Quezon City for Film, signals the twin recognition for both cities cultural initiatives that has now received international renown” said Ed Lejano, Artistic Director of QCinema. 

“May this endeavor between the the LGU’s be the start of a continuous partnership for the promotion of arts and culture, and hopefully spread among the other UNESCO-recognized cities in the Philippines” adds Lejano.

The Montañosa Film Festival is on its 6th edition this year with the theme “Visions & Voices Unbound: Stories of Humanity, Social Justice, and Hope,” highlighting films that reflect the resilience, creativity, and lived experiences of Filipino communities.

Opening Gala will be held March 24, featuring the short films Vox Humana by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan, Agapito by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero, and Figat by Handiong Kapuno. 

Competition Films will screen from March 27 to 28. The QCShorts program will be screened on March 28, 3:30 PM at SM Baguio.

The partnership was announcing during the festival’s Media Launch, which took place recently at SM City Baguio.