The 14th QCinema International Film Festival returns November 13–22 with its “Genre’teurs” theme, celebrating filmmakers who challenge conventions and make familiar stories their own.
From Filipino supernatural folklore and socially relevant animation to internationally acclaimed films and restored cinematic classics, the 14th QCinema International Film Festival returns from November 13 to 22, 2026, with a lineup that brings together some of the most distinctive voices in contemporary filmmaking.
This year’s festival introduces “Genre’teurs,” a curatorial concept combining genre and auteur. It highlights filmmakers who work within familiar storytelling traditions, from horror and crime to romance and drama, while bringing their own creative vision, perspective, and identity to the screen.
More than a showcase of international festival favorites, QCinema 2026 continues to provide a platform for Filipino filmmakers, emerging Asian talent, and independent stories that deserve a wider audience.
Filipino Animation Opens the Festival
Leading this year’s lineup is the world premiere of Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko (Ballad of Tooth and Claw), an animated fantasy-horror feature directed by Mervin Malonzo.
Based on the comic books by Julius Villanueva, the film follows 12-year-old Ella, voiced by Bianca Umali, a young mambabarang who must confront supernatural threats and the injustices affecting her community.
Blending Philippine mythology with contemporary social realities, the film explores what it means to stand up against both imagined and very real monsters.
The festival will close with Look Back, acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda’s live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga. Starring Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita, the story follows two young artists whose shared passion for drawing brings them together and shapes their lives.
Stories Beyond Borders
QCinema 2026 presents a diverse selection of films across its competition and curated programs.
Asian Next Wave, the festival’s main competition, features emerging filmmaking voices from across the region. Highlights include The Burning Giants by Thai director Phuttiphong Aroonpheng, A Girl Unknown by Zou Jing, Fujiko by Taichi Kimura, and the Filipino opening feature Ella Arcangel.
New Horizons turns the spotlight on first- and second-time feature filmmakers, including Rami Kodeih’s Lebanese crime thriller Furies and Nông Nhật Quang’s Baby Jackfruit, Baby Guava.
Meanwhile, RainbowQC continues its commitment to LGBTQIA+ cinema, presenting films that explore identity, relationships, desire, and belonging through different cultural perspectives.
The festival also brings internationally recognized films to Philippine audiences through Screen International, featuring works such as Lav Diaz’s Makikiraan Po, Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord, and Paweł Pawlikowski’s Fatherland.
For viewers drawn to unconventional storytelling, the Before Midnight program offers genre-driven selections, while Dokyu Days highlights documentary filmmaking.
Bringing Filipino Film History Back to the Screen
Beyond new releases, QCinema 2026 gives audiences another opportunity to experience significant films from Philippine cinema’s past.
Its Rediscovery section includes Lav Diaz’s Batang West Side, celebrating its 25th anniversary, alongside restored classics Jaguar by Lino Brocka and Sister Stella L. by Mike de Leon.
The latter two films are presented as part of a special tribute to writer and screenwriter Jose “Pete” Lacaba.
The program also includes international classics such as Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Amores Perros and Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue.
By bringing these works back to theaters, QCinema connects contemporary filmmaking with the artistic and cultural legacies that continue to influence cinema today.
Supporting the Next Generation of Filmmakers
Another important part of the festival is QCShorts International, which pairs locally supported short-film projects with works from Southeast Asian filmmakers.
Among this year’s Filipino selections are Body Works by Maki Makilan, Run Shirley Run! by Rodiell Veloso, Maanaa Kanimo by Toni Cañete, Sana’y Nandito Ka by Clister Santos, and Agsangit Laeng Ti Al-alia by Carla Pulido Ocampo.
Through its short-film grants, competitions, and industry initiatives, QCinema continues to support emerging filmmakers and create opportunities for stories beyond mainstream commercial cinema.
Where to Watch QCinema 2026
The 14th QCinema International Film Festival runs from November 13 to 22, 2026, with screenings at five participating cinemas:
● Gateway Cineplex 18
● Robinsons Movieworld Galleria
● Ayala Malls Cinemas TriNoma
● Fisher Mall Cinemas
● SM City Fairview Cinema
Regular festival tickets are priced at ₱200 per screening, with screening schedules, booking information, and availability subject to official announcements.
As Quezon City continues to build on its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, QCinema reinforces its role in connecting Philippine cinema with a wider international film community.
At a time when audiences have more ways than ever to consume entertainment, QCinema offers something different: an opportunity to discover unfamiliar stories, revisit cinematic landmarks, and experience films together on the big screen.
For the complete lineup, screening schedules, and ticketing updates, visit www.qcinema.ph or follow @qcinemaph on social media.
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