Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Liza Diño. NESTOR CORRALES/INQUIRER.net
The absence of the usual blockbuster fares featuring big-name actors in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and the showcase of independently produced films was a good move for the festival, the chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has said.
“I think this opportunity to open this film festival for all, and really concentrate on artistic excellence is a good move for the Metro Manila Film Fest,” Liza Diño said told reporters in a Palace briefing on Wednesday.
Diño said the inclusion of more indie films in the festival would level up the taste of the viewing public.
“Yun naman po talaga ang goal natin ngayon. It’s really develop the audience and bigyan sila ng opportunity para makakita pa ng iba’t ibang tema, pagdating po sa mga pelikula na meron ang ating bansa,” Diño said.
The FDCP chair said independent film producers would have the “landmark oppurtunity” to showcase their “unique stories.”
“It’s really a landmark opportunity for our independent film producers to have the exposure and the platform to showcase their films, especially this Christmas season,” she said.
“Siyempre po, alam naman po natin na normally, ang mga nabibigyan lang po ng chance sa commercial screens ay ang mga mainstream films, na normally ang mas appealing, mas universally appealing, and mas commercially viable,” she added.
In a video message, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to support the MMFF.
“I will urge you. Inimbitahan ko kayo to watch the (Metro) Manila Film Festival. Magandang event yan. Pati ako nandoon. Sama-sama tayo,” Duterte said.
The eight films for this year’s MMFF are Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough, Die Beautiful, Kabisera, ‘Oro, Saving Sally, Seklusyon, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James. RAM
RELATED STORIES