QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The QCinema Industry brought back its Creative Industries Day for the second year in a row this November 19 at Novotel Monet, continuing its mission to spark grassroots–led discussions on issues that demand the attention of the film community.
With gender inclusivity and feminism at the center of this year’s agenda, Liza Diño proudly shared Quezon City’s progress toward becoming a HER CITY. All Creative Industries panelists signed the HER CITY Manifesto, affirming the city’s commitment to cultivating safe, equitable workplaces for all identities.
Beyond the day’s spirited conversations led by women shaping today’s film landscape, the QC Film Market entered its second day with a bustling showcase of exhibitors including Terminal Six Post, Barebones, Inc., Narra Post-Production Studios, and Mocha Chai Laboratories. Attendees explored collaborations, forged partnerships, and sought funding opportunities for their next big projects.
Audiences were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the women who bring stories to life on screen. Monster Jimenez, creator of “Leonor Will Never Die“, joined cinematographer Tey Clamor, French producer Dominique Welinski, and Vietnamese cinematographer Nguyen Phan Linh Dan in a candid discussion about their journeys in the creative field. Nguyen Phan, Vietnam’s only female cinematographer, highlighted the cultural barriers and superstitions she faced in technical work, while Clamor echoed similar experiences in the Philippines, where women are still discouraged from handling heavy gear. Their shared conclusion: building community is key to breaking long-standing biases and expanding access for women.
Leading Ladies as Agents of Reel Change
Asian cinema specialist Jeremy Segay moderated a conversation with QCFC’s Liza B. Diño, Jakarta Film Commission’s Vivian Idris, and Asian Film Alliance Network’s Lorna Tee, focusing on how policy-making is evolving toward sustainability and inclusivity. They noted that while patriarchal norms persist, significant cultural shifts are underway. Diño emphasized the reluctance to challenge entrenched systems, saying many default to “it is what it is,” but insisted it is this generation’s duty to shape the decades ahead.
The panelists underscored the importance of representation in positions of power. Idris highlighted the need to bring more creatives into policy-making, while Tee stressed expanding representation beyond gender to include other marginalized groups. Their message to those encountering identity-based barriers: “Take up space.”
Keeping the momentum alive, Southeast Asian actresses Qymira, Iza Calzado, and Kaity Nguyen joined moderator Aya Fernandez for a discussion on breaking stereotypes on screen. They reflected on generational shifts and the constant balancing act between authenticity and commercial success. They called for greater agency over the stories being told, acknowledging the history of male-driven narratives about women. Looking forward, they hope to thrive in a future shaped by genuinely inclusive storytelling.
Curating Global Taste, Building Women’s Voices
Women programmers from across Asia gathered for the “Curating Global Taste, Building Women’s Voices” roundtable. Moderator Katrina Tan introduced Kiki Fung, Sung Moon, Irene Soriano, and Rina Damayanti, who emphasized how even minor programming choices can influence a film’s narrative reach. They also challenged the growing capitalist trend of producing superficial “feminist” content, reaffirming their commitment to meaningful and thoughtfully crafted cinema.
Women Leading the Business of Film
The conversation then shifted to studio leadership, with Liza Shackleton of Deadline Hollywood leading a discussion on global content production. She was joined by Bianca Parkes (Neon USA), Madonna Tarrayo (UXS Inc.), Bianca Balbuena (Epicmedia), and Fumie Lancaster (SC Films International). They spoke about navigating competitive environments—especially amid the rise of nepotism—and revealed the unique challenges and triumphs of women carving out space in executive ranks.
Championing Equity and Honoring Legacy
To close the program, Liza Diño engaged in a keynote dialogue with CNC’s Agnès Toullieux on gender parity in cinema, analyzing risk factors for women in the industry and spotlighting initiatives aimed at building equitable ecosystems across cultures.
A heartfelt tribute followed, honoring the matriarchs who shaped Quezon City’s cinematic heritage: Doña Narcisa “Doña Sisang” de León of LVN Pictures, Doña Azucena “Doña Nene” Vera-Perez of Sampaguita Pictures, Lily “Mother Lily” Y. Monteverde of Regal Entertainment, and Ma. Azucena “Marichu” Vera-Perez Maceda of MOWELFUND and the Film Academy of the Philippines. Their legacies continue to illuminate the path for the next generation of women creators.
