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Call for Submissions for QCShorts 2026

QCShorts 2026

The QCinema International Film Festival has successfully funded innovative short films from new up-and-coming filmmakers and established voices in Filipino cinema. 

For its fourteenth year, QCinema is once again looking for short films in early stages of development (script-level) to receive production grants — now worth P700,000. These films are set to make their world premiere at the QCinema International Film Festival in November 2026.

Deadline of submission is on February 14, 2026, 11:59 PM Philippine Standard Time (GMT+8)

 

REQUIREMENTS:

All are required, except when indicated. All document files must be in PDF format while video files must be valid URLs with access credentials for password-protected files. Physical media will not be accepted.

Applicants must submit 2 PDF files: 1 PDF file containing the full script (standard screenwriting format) and a 1 full deck containing:
  1. Logline
  2. Short Synopsis (maximum of 3 paragraphs)
  3. Long Synopsis (maximum 1-page concept treatment)
  4. Director’s Statement
  5. Director’s Profile
  6. Producer’s Profile
  7. Producer’s Statement
  8. Sample Works (Project detail with link/s. Insert a line break for multiple projects. Include access credentials for password-protected files)
  9. Proposed cast and crew
  10. Line item budget (pre-production, actual production & postproduction costs)
  11. Financial Plan
  12. Timeline of Production (with an early November premiere in mind)

 

GUIDELINES:

  1. Short film production grant of PHP 700,000 is open for Filipino Citizens 18 years old and above;
  2. Proposed entries can be narrative fiction, animation, or experimental;
  3. Only one entry per proponent. Proponent can either be the director or producer;
  4. Total running time (TRT) of completed film output must not exceed 25 minutes (including opening and closing credits);
  5. Production must adhere to health and safety protocols;
  6. QCinema will not be liable for any untoward incident during production;
  7. At every stage of the production, the cast and crew must follow current shooting guidelines to include proper working hours as well as testing and lock-in safety procedures (when applicable);
  8. Use of original literary sources, music materials, and film footage must have proper clearance from its respective copyright owners before it can be used in the final film output;
  9. Rights to the final film output belong to the proponent, but QCinema reserves the right to screen it for the duration of QCinema International Film Festival 2026 (QCIFF 2026) theatrically, on-line and selected events after the festival screening with prior notice to the proponent;
  10. Final film output must have its Philippine premiere in QCIFF 2026;
  11. Filmmaker proponent and his/ her co-financiers must abide with the QCinema festival rules, guidelines, deadlines, and contract. In case of violations in the aforementioned terms, QCinema reserves the right to disqualify the filmmaker/ proponent and forfeit the entire grant.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email head of short film programming Jason Tan Liwag ([email protected]) with the subject heading “QCShorts 2026 Inquiry” or message the QCinema social media accounts on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Important! Before proceeding to apply, please make sure all requirements are ready as you will only be able to apply once and your application may not be edited after submission.

APPLY NOW!

Frequently Asked Questions