FDCP's new chairman

MANILA, Philippines - President Noynoy Aquino appointed one of Philippine cinema’s new breed of film professionals to head the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Briccio Santos, a film professional since 1977, took over economist Jacky Atienza as chair of FDCP, an office under the Office of the President and created under Republic Act 9167.

Some mainstream film industry workers, producers, actors, directors and emerging independent filmmakers consider his appointment a “breath of fresh air.” Some comments which came out in cyberspace when news of his appointment was released said that “finally, a filmmaker has been appointed as FDCP chief, he is one of us and can therefore understand our concerns.”

Brix vowed to continue FDCP’s mandate to develop the national culture and bring out the Filipino identity through film; revitalize the Philippine film industry; preserve Filipino cultural heritage through a national film archive; continue the work of the Cinema Evaluation Board to give incentives to deserving films; support filmmakers in their efforts to bring honor to our country through international film festivals; restructure the Film Fund to encourage convergence and synergy between mainstream and indie filmmakers; support local and international filmfests; encourage international co-production and promote the Philippines as a filming destination; support projects like Sineng Barangay to make award-winning films accessible to the masa and the Sineng Pambansa project for sustainable production and distribution of Filipino films.