Incoming Film Development Council of the Philippines Chair Liza Diño (INQUIRER PHOTO)
To develop more audience for local movies would be her main goal when actress Liza Diño assumes the position of chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
“How do we get other Filipinos to watch and appreciate locally made films? We have already made a mark all over the world with our beautiful and thought-provoking films. Sadly, this does not translate locally,” Diño told the Inquirer on Friday.
The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson recently issued Diño’s appointment, as well as her partner’s, singer-actress Aiza Seguerra, who will soon serve as chair of the National Youth Commission (NYC).
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Diño said she would hold consultations with filmmakers on what to do to achieve this goal. “Yes, we can claim that the industry is doing well now, but we should still work on improving it,” said the incoming FDCP chief.
Diño added: “Like the President, I believe in federalism and that it could also work in the FDCP. We do not want Manila to be the only center of filmmaking activity in the country. We also want regional cinema to flourish.”
She promised to support regional filmmakers by “finding opportunities for them, by empowering them and by making sure that they will be able to make films that show their culture and tradition.”
Diño said she personally met with current FDCP chair Briccio Santos at the FDCP office in Ermita, Manila, on Friday morning. “I liked it that when he introduced me to the staff, chairman Santos said ‘I am happy that I am leaving you to her capable hands.’ I was so nervous. My hands were so cold,” Diño recalled.
Diño and Seguerra supported and actively campaigned for President Rodrigo Duterte during the recent national elections in May.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.