Director Guillen, veteran actor Lizaso appointed members of MMFF Execom

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran director Laurice Guillen and renowned actor Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso have been appointed as members of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee (Execom).

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) made the announcement on Wednesday, days after the removal of Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Liza Diño from the Execom for allegedly attempting to “take over its chairmanship.”

The MMDA organizes the annual MMFF.

MMDA and concurrent MMFF chairman Danilo Lim welcomed Guillen and Lizaso’s appointment, saying he believes in their “integrity and wisdom.”

“Their track record speaks for themselves,” he said.

Guillen, an award winning actress and director, serves as the current president of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc.

“The appointment of Director Guillen in the MMFF execom will start a more fruitful collaboration between MMFF and Cinemalaya,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, Lizaso, a film and theater industry veteran of more than 60 years, currently chairs the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and sits as the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The appointment of the two new members will set the ground for a “more constructive and productive” output for the MMFF Execom,” Lim said. (Jim Mendoza, Trainee)