QCinema 2025: Call for Submissions for QCShorts

QCinema International Film Festival is once again inviting aspiring and established filmmakers to submit their projects for #QCShorts2025. 

Now in its thirteenth year, QCinema offers a production grant of ₱500,000 for short films in the early stages of development. Selected films will premiere at the QCinema International Film Festival slated from November 2025.

This year, QCinema is looking for narrative fiction, animation, or experimental short films that demonstrate creative storytelling and artistic merit. Filipino citizens aged 18 and above, whether based in the Philippines or abroad, are eligible to apply. The final film output must have a total running time of no more than 20 minutes, including opening and closing credits. Films must premiere at QCinema 2025, and the rights to the final output will remain with the filmmaker. However, QCinema reserves the right to screen the films during the festival and at selected events afterward, with prior notice to the proponent.

Applicants are required to submit two PDF files: one containing the full script in standard screenwriting format and another containing a detailed production deck. The production deck should include the project’s logline, short and long synopses, the complete script (with English or Filipino translation if written in another language), the director’s statement and profile, a brief profile of the producer, proposed cast and crew, a line-item budget, a production timeline, and links to sample works.

Since its inception, QCinema has supported filmmakers who have gone on to make significant contributions to Filipino cinema. Past grantees include emerging directors Maria Estela Paiso, JT Trinidad, Joanne Cesario, Kaj Palanca, and Whammy Alcazaren, alongside well-known contemporary filmmakers such as Kiri Dalena, Keith Deligero, Dodo Dayao, Carl Papa, Sonny Calvento, and Glenn Barit.

Last year, QCinema awarded grants worth ₱350,000 each to six outstanding short films, including Alaga by Nicole Rosacay, Kinakausap ni Celso ang Diyos by Gilb Baldoza, RAMPAGE! (o ang parada) by Kukay Bautista Zinampan, Refrain by Joseph Dominic Cruz, Supermassive Heavenly Body by Sam Villa-Real, and Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren.

This year, the grant has been increased to ₱500,000, underscoring QCinema’s dedication to nurturing Filipino filmmaking talent.

The submission deadline is February 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM. For more details and to apply, visit qcinema.ph/submissions/qcshorts2025.