MANILA, Philippines - Kabilang sa Philippine cinema’s new breed of film professionals ang napiling mamuno ng Film Development Council of the Philippines ni Presidente Noynoy Aquino, si Direk Briccio G. Santos, na nagsimula sa showbiz noong 1977 pa.
Ang FDCP na dating pinamumunuan ng economist na si Mr. Jackie Atienza ay nasa ilalim ng tanggapin ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas at nabuo sa ilalim ng Republic Act 9167.
Bukod sa pagiging film professional - award-winning filmmaker, isa rin siyang artist, photographer, gallery owner, Southeast Asian representative to FIPA, a French Audio-Visual Foundation and IT entrepreneur.
Kino-consider ng mga mainstream film industry workers, producers, actors, directors, and the emerging independent filmmakers (indies) na “breath of fresh air” ang appointment ni Santos.
“Finally, a filmmaker has been appointed as FDCP chief, he is one of us and can therefore understand our concerns,” sabi ng isang showbiz insider.
Nangako si Mr. Santos na ipagpapatuloy ang FDCP’s mandate to develop the national culture and bring out the Filipino identity through the film medium; revitalize the Philippine film industry; preserve the Filipino cultural heritage through a national film archive; continue the work of the Cinema Evaluation Board to provide incentives to deserving films; support filmmakers in their efforts to bring honor to our country through international film festivals; re-structure the Film Fund to encourage convergence and synergy between the mainstream and indie filmmakers; support local and international film festivals; encourage international co-production and promote the Philippines as a filming destination; support projects such as the Sineng Barangay to make award-winning films accessible to the masa and the Sineng Pambansa project for the sustainable production and distribution of Filipino films.