Filmmaking in Quezon City is the country’s best hope for achieving an increase in patronage of local movies in the coming years. Officials of the Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC) expressed optimism following the production of 27 short films by students from six QC schools as their entries to the first QC Independent Film Festival, despite financial and time constraints.To be held from September 10 to 17 at the Cineplex cinamas of the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, the commission’s initial major project is designed to enable students to express themselves through cinema, as QC Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista pointed out. Bautista is the co-chairperson of the commission while QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte is chair. Commissioners Ric Camaligan and George Estregan Jr. said the film festival will be a good start in developing greater public interest in local films.