On World Cities Day 2025, four newly designated Creative Cities of Film — Giza, Ho Chi Minh City, Quezon City and São Paulo — joined the growing UNESCO Cities of Film Network. Their designation reflects a shared commitment to using film and the wider screen industries as catalysts for sustainable urban development, cultural participation, and social resilience.
Together, Cities of Film collaborate internationally to strengthen resilience in the face of global challenges including climate change, rising inequality and the impacts of rapid urbanisation, with 68% of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2050.
With the 2025 cohort announced by UNESCO Director‑General Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) now brings together 408 cities across more than 100 countries, representing eight creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music and—for the first time—Architecture.
“By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a Network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investments, and promotes social cohesion,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director‑General, as part of the World Cities Day announcement.
The newly designated Cities of Film are:
- Giza, Egypt
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Quezon City, Philippines
- São Paulo, Brazil
These four cities bring diverse strengths to the Network — from growing production hubs and talent development ecosystems to pioneering screen‑based storytelling and digital innovation. Each demonstrated strong action plans for the coming years, along with a commitment to UNESCO’s mission of culture‑led, human‑centred urban development.
Their designation forms part of a wider cohort of 58 cities recognised in 2025 for championing creativity as a driver of sustainable development and contributing to vibrant, resilient communities. The 2025 cohort marks a historic milestone with the introduction of the Creative Cities of Architecture, expanding the Network’s reach and deepening its interdisciplinary potential.
As new members of the UNESCO Cities of Film Network, Giza, Ho Chi Minh City, Quezon City and São Paulo will collaborate closely with existing Cities of Film around the world to strengthen international cooperation, share best practice, and support innovation and inclusion across the screen sector.
The Cities of Film Network looks forward to working with this dynamic new group of global film cities as they embark on their journey within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Read the full UNESCO news announcement here: On World Cities Day 2025, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network welcomes