- The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) committee named three additions to its execom board
- They replaced the four members who recently resigned
MMFF committee chairperson Tim Orbos announced the names of the three new members of the ExeCom tasked to implement and oversee the proper conduct of the yearly festival.
In a press release posted on the official page of MMFF, Orbos said that he recently accepted the resignation of another member, Ed Lejano, in hope that he would still respect the committee’s process even after leaving the position.
“Like Roland Tolentino who was a member of the committee, I accept Ed Lejano’s resignation with the hope that they both would continuously respect the rules, processes and timelines they themselves crafted and agreed to adhere to.”
Below are the newly added names in the selection panel:
- Maryo J. delos Reyes – Multi-awarded director and Executive Director of ToFarm Film Festival
- Joy Belmonte-Alimurung – Quezon City Vice Mayor; head of the QC Film Development Council in charge of the QCinema International Film Festival; and member of the Selection Committee of the 2016 MMFF
- Arnell Ignacio – TV host, actor, comedian, and PAGCOR assistant vice president for community relations and services
Early in July, three members created a joint statement on why they left the Execom. UP Professor Rolando Tolentino, scriptwriter Ricky Lee and broadcast journalist Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala agreed that the MMFF put “too much emphasis on commerce over art.”
The latest resignation was tendered by Lejano on July 7 citing that the festival’s new rules urged him to do so.
Remaining slot/s are left open for other representatives of the independent cinema after a meeting with them and MMDA officials.
This announcement serves as reminder to the public that the MMFF committee is trying their best to reach out to all the sectors and serving to the best interest of our film industry.
