Incoming FDCP head’s priority: To attract more moviegoers

LIZA Diño

TO ATTRACT a bigger audience for local movies would be her main goal when actress Liza Diño assumes the position of chair 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 thought-provoking films. Sadly, this does not translate locally,” Diño told the Inquirer on Friday.

The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson recently announced Diño’s appointment, as well as that of her partner, singer-actress Aiza Seguerra, as chair of the National Youth Commission.

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, 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 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 on Friday morning. “I liked it that when he introduced me to the staff, Chair Santos said, ‘I am happy that I’m leaving you to her capable hands.’ I was so nervous. My hands were cold,” Diño recalled.

Diño and Seguerra actively campaigned for President Duterte during the May national elections. Marinel R. Cruz