Director Mel Chionglo takes over Robbie Tan’s Cinemalaya post

MANILA, Philippines—Carmelo “Mel” Chionglo, veteran director-writer-production designer, is the new head of the Monitoring Committee for 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, a high-ranking official of the said festival who requested anonymity told the INQUIRER.

The position had been held by controversial film producer Robbie Tan for eight years. Tan resigned this year after widespread online protests.

Among Chionglo’s well-known works are gay-themed films like “Sibak: Midnight Dancer,” “Twilight Dancers” and “Burlesk King”.

A native of Lucena City, Quezon province, Chionglo was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III last year as member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s Appeals Committee at the Office of the President.

His appointment at Cinemalaya was confirmed Tuesday by Laurice Guillen, who still chairs the competition committee.