FDCP chair: It’s the selection committee’s choices; We have to respect that

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) does not have a hand in choosing the finalists of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), its chair, Liza Diño, declared on Friday.

The Inquirer sought the opinion of the FDCP chief shortly after the MMFF executive committee announced the first four finalists.

The FDCP sits in the executive committee of the MMFF, represented by its chair.

“It’s the selection committee’s choices. We have to respect that,” Diño pointed out. “In fairness, if we based it on the definition of independent, ‘Panday’ is an independent production—and so is the entry of Quantum Films. I guess people are saying the choices are too mainstream because they all carry a theme that’s too mainstream.”

She added: “We now realize the importance of having a selection committee with members that have different preferences. Last year, we had a selection jury with film industry influencers and members who were from the academe. We are a collegial body and [the] majority always prevails.”

Asked whether this could be considered a setback for the MMFF, Diño said: “I hope not. The FDCP is doing everything to push our industry forward. It’s our responsibility, as a government body, to take that initiative.”