Controversial director, actor, producer and writer Vince Tañada vehemently denied in his social media posts that he was invited by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival in France.
This was in reaction to talks that Vince got to the French Riviera because of the state agency.
“I never said that I was invited by FDCP to be in Festival De Cannes. Not in one instance that I said that verbally and in writing,” Tañada clarified.
“I am in Cannes now because of the help and promotion of a Switzerland based Production Network Maison ZBZ managed by Ms. Bianca Zialcita who picked up ‘Katips’ during our screening in Switzerland witnessed by Ms. Evelyn Vargas-Knaebel. In fact, I didn't inform FDCP of this invitation. It was Mr. Sed Arce of FDCP who later emailed me and inquired if ‘Ako Si Ninoy’ will be screened in Cannes. I said yes and they were the ones who offered promotion and that the film be included on the list of films of the Philippines to be screened.
“I will always be proud that this milestone happened because of MY OWN HARDWORK and the kindness of private individuals all around the globe so why spread something that will emasculate our efforts and put the glory to the institutionalized arm of this government.
“The proliferation of fake news is the reason why we utilized our art so that the hope of combating disinformation, no matter how dim or distant, will never vanish from sight. Similarly, this vicious cycle of using fake news to attack people should stop,” explained Vince who exhibited his films “Ako si Ninoy” and “Ang Bangkay” at the 76th Festival de Cannes’ Marche du Film category.