The 14th QCinema International Film Festival puts Filipino storytelling front and center with the world premiere of Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko (Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw), directed by Mervin Malonzo, as its opening film.
Based on Julius Villanueva’s graphic novel series, the animated feature follows Ella, a young mambabarang who uses her supernatural abilities to protect her community from humans and mythical creatures. Produced by GMA Pictures and featuring Bianca Umali as the voice of Ella, the film is the sole Filipino entry in Asian Next Wave, QCinema’s flagship competition for emerging Asian filmmakers.
The festival also features The Remotes, John Torres’ dystopian narrative feature about two estranged sisters searching for the truth behind a mysterious voice controlling human avatars. Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film makes its Asian premiere in QC Selects.
Lav Diaz returns with Makikiraan Po (Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors), which recently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and received the Brian Award. His acclaimed neo-noir Batang West Side will also screen in its complete 301-minute version as part of the Rediscovery section.
Celebrating Filipino cinema’s heritage, QCinema will also screen the restored classics Jaguar and Sister Stella L., recognizing the contributions of writer and artist Pete Lacaba. Both films will have free-admission screenings.
Other festival highlights include Victor Villanueva’s Patay na si Hesus, celebrating its 10th anniversary, Bebe Go’s 11, P. R. Monencillo Patindol’s i grew an inch when my father died, Isabel Sandoval’s Moonglow, Elisa Gómez Alvarez’s To the Moon and Back, and Khavn dela Cruz’s Bomba Bernal.
With this year’s theme, “Genre’teurs,” combining the words “genre” and “auteur,” QCinema celebrates filmmakers who explore familiar cinematic genres through their distinct creative perspectives.
The 14th QCinema International Film Festival runs from November 13 to 22, 2026, with screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18, Robinsons Movieworld Galleria, Ayala Malls TriNoma, Fisher Box Office, and SM Cinema at SM City Fairview. Tickets are available at a discounted price of Php 200.
