The pandemic forced film festival organizers to shift their operations online or through a hybrid mode. Some were unable to adjust in time, but others thrived in the new setup.
For the fifth straight year, the Quezon City International Film Festival (fondly called QCinema) remains the gold standard for local filmfests as it is recognized as the best festival by Pinoy Rebyu, and it’s not even close. All 24 members of the Society of Filipino Film Reviewers who voted for this category placed QCinema as the Philippine’ best filmfest.
Below are the rest of the top ten that the SFFR deems the best in terms of ease of online access, affordability, and, most importantly, the quality of films.
1 – QCinema (81 points)
Festival Director: Ed Lejano
Members’ comments:
“QCinema remains as the Filipino film festival to beat. Holding a hybrid format for the second year in a row, it offered a well curated lineup from local arthouse gems to internationally acclaimed titles. It’s simply a delight for every cinephile out there.” – Leo Baltar
“The best lineup, with international films that were heralded in the big festivals.” – Ronald Cruz
“Managed to momentarily bring back the spirit of physical film fest in the country while continuing its trademark of showing quality local and international cinema to the Philippines.” – Cydel Gutierrez
“Amazing roster of acclaimed foreign language films like Memoria, The Worst Person in the World, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Drive My Car; and one very special Filipino film, Historya ni Ha.” – Fred Hawson
“Provided both virtual and theatrical screenings, shorts and feature length films, local and international films; complete package, as always.” – Jay Lacanilao
“Very consistent amongst all the festivals.” – Jayson Laniba
“The only one to perfectly adjust to the current cinema situation in the Philippines, QCinema’s mix of virtual and in person approach, plus their once again exciting lineup, it’s no surprising it just steamrolls as the best local film festival every year.” – Nicol Latayan
“The selection and how the film festival was handled was even better than previous years.” – Jun Mendoza
“For having screenings at the cinemas which are occasionally full.” – Manuel Pangaruy
“The roster of films & programming are excellent, bringing the current international award-winning films to the Philippines.” – Bernard Santos
“The list of films shown were the top films of 2021 such as Drive My Car and The Worst Person In The World.” – Jay-r Trinidad
2 – Cinemalaya (40 points)
Festival Director: Chris Millado
3 – Sine Halaga (26 points)
Festival Director: Elvert Bañares
4 – Metro Manila Film Festival (15 points)
Organizer: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
5 – Cinema Rehiyon
Festival Director: Tito Genova Valiente
6 – Eksena Cinema Quarantine: Covid-19 Filmmakers’ Diaries (11 points)
Organizer: NCCA National Committee on Cinema
7 (tie) – Gawad Alternatibo (10 points)
Festival Director: Chris Millado
7 (tie) – Binisaya (10 points)
Festival Director: Keith Deligero
9 – Mit Out Sound: International Silent Film Labs and Competition (4 points, 3 votes)
Organizer: Film Development Council of the Philippines
10 – Pelikultura (4 points, 3 votes)
Festival Director: Catherine Gonzales
