Got a story to tell? The Film Development Council of the Philippines and QCinema International Film Festival will help you reach your full cinematic potential.
Are you an aspiring filmmaker who currently has a story in mind that you want to develop further? Do you need professional advice and financial support to realize your dream project? Well, look no further because QCinema and Film Development Council of the Philippines are looking to bring unique and compelling narratives into life through their generous production grants and intensive development labs.
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QCSHORTS 2023
After its 10th edition’s intense program last year, QCinema, the most sought-after international film festival in the country, finally launches its call for entries for QCShorts 2023. Known for supporting emerging and established Filipino cinematic voices in its decade-spanning history, QCinema is once again looking for short film projects to be part of its competitive lineup. Six filmmakers will be selected and given production grants worth P350,000.
Do you feel that this is the sign to get that screenplay into a fully-fledged film? Well keep in mind these requirements and go make that dream come true:
- Logline (optional)
- Short Synopsis (max of 3 paragraphs)
- Long Synopsis (max 1-page concept treatment)
- Full script (standard screenwriting format)
- Director’s Statement
- Director’s Profile
- Producer’s Brief Profile (& optional Statement)
- Sample Works (Project detail with link/s. Insert a line break for multiple projects. Include access credentials for password-protected files)
- Proposed cast and crew
- Line item budget (pre-production, actual production & postproduction costs)
- Timeline of Production – all requirements must be in PDF file
Some of last year’s QCShorts entries include Whammy Alcazaren’s best film winner BOLD EAGLE, Glenn Barit’s Luzonensis Osteoporosis, which nabbed the Jury Prize, and JT Trinidad’s the river that never ends, which received the Gender Sensitivity Award.
Other past edition winners that went on to participate in international film festivals are Trishtan Perez’s i get so sa sometimes and Maria Estela Paiso’s It’s Raining Frogs Outside. The latter of which became a part of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2022 and the short film program of the recently concluded Sundance Film Festival.
Remember that when your projects get selected, QCinema reserves the right to screen it in the entire duration of QCinema 2023 and other agreed events afterwards. The deadline of submission is on February 28, 2023. To know more about QCShorts 2023 and to apply, head over to this link.
SINE KABATAAN
Putting the spotlight on the unique and diverse perspectives of the Filipino youth, Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival returns for its sixth edition this 2023 and once again aims to discover and nurture budding talents from all over the archipelago.
Open to Filipino filmmakers who are 18-30 years old and who have already done at least one short film, Sine Kabataan offers a platform for young filmmakers to further develop their storytelling skills and creativity. Story concepts that explore the relevant themes of health, security and peace building, education, or family values are encouraged.
Film projects in documentary, animation, experimental, and live action format will be accepted. The running time requirement has also been extended from five minutes last year to up to 20 minutes this year to give room for the aspirants to maximize their expression and the potential of their stories.
From the pool of submissions, 20 story concepts will be shortlisted and will undergo exclusive film labs which will cover story development, pitching, and editing. Workshops will be conducted in a hybrid setup to equip the filmmakers with practical skills with more convenience. This will be followed by a pitch showcase where 10 finalists will be selected by a selection committee and will each receive a P100,000 production grant to produce their stories.
All the completed film output will premiere during the Philippine Film Industry Month in September. Apart from the production funds, incentive prizes that range from P10000-P50000 also await the finalists. Visit this link for the full guidelines and mechanics. For more updates, follow Sine Kabataan on Facebook.
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