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“Every character, no matter how bloody or gritty, is human.” — Arjo Atayde

This is what Congressman Arjo Atayde declared with heartfelt conviction during the grand media conference for Topakk. His words reflected not only his deep connection to his character but also his unwavering dedication to the film’s story.

Adding to the anticipation, veteran actress and now executive producer Sylvia Sanchez proudly expressed, “Ang gagaling ng mga artista ko dito sa Topakk. Kaya panoorin niyo po ‘to.” (The actors in Topakk are phenomenal. Please watch it.)

The immersive event, held at Atayde’s headquarters in Quezon City, offered an extraordinary experience beyond a typical press gathering. Media attendees were treated to a visually-stunning showcase of the film’s production set, offering a rare, close-up glimpse into the action-packed world of Topakk.

This unique setup mirrored the dedication poured into the film’s production, a commitment that Sylvia Sanchez, Cong. Arjo’s passionate mother, came to deeply appreciate. Sharing her newfound respect for behind-the-scenes workers, she said, “Mas naa-appreciate ko yung mga prod people dahil nasa production na ako,” emphasizing how their tireless work often goes unnoticed. (I’ve come to appreciate production people more now that I’m part of the production team.)

A Filipino Film Making Global Waves

Produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, Topakk has been creating ripples worldwide. From Cannes to Locarno and Austin, Texas, the action thriller has captured the attention of international audiences. Known globally as Triggered, the film has earned acclaim for its blend of psychological depth and gripping action sequences.

Directed by Richard V. Somes, Topakk tells the story of a former special forces operative grappling with PTSD, who crosses paths with siblings fleeing from dangerous criminal forces. Arjo Atayde delivers a riveting performance that anchors the narrative, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

The film also marks a transformative role for Julia Montes, who takes on a grittier, more physically demanding character.

Reflecting on the film’s themes, Julia remarked, “It’s about time na mas maging honest tayo sa mga topics na tina-tackle, especially sa films.” (It’s about time we tackle topics more honestly in films.)

She emphasized the film’s importance in portraying Filipino resilience, saying, “Makikita n’yo kung gaano ang Pilipino lumalaban, kahit na may pinagdadaanan.” (You’ll see how Filipinos keep fighting, no matter the challenges.)

An All-Star Ensemble

Topakk is more than just an action film. It delves into themes of redemption, mental health, and corruption, told through emotionally charged performances and intense action sequences. Cinematographer Louie Quirino’s striking visuals heighten the film’s tension and drama, while Jose Antonio Buencamino’s evocative score enriches the viewing experience.

The ensemble cast includes Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee, Kokoy de Santos, Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan, Geli Bulaong. Each actor brings life to their character, as recognized by their executive producer and director who both salute their hard work for this project — however small or big their roles are.

Sanchez expressed pride in the cast’s performances: “Ang gagaling ng mga artista ko dito. Maniwala kayo, artista ako.” (The actors here are phenomenal. Trust me, I’m an actress.)

A Proud Entry to the 50th MMFF

With its inclusion in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Topakk promises to redefine Filipino action cinema. Atayde hopes the film becomes an advocacy for mental health awareness, as well as a tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces. “May this film be an advocate not just for PTSD but for mental health in general,” he shared, hoping it sheds light on the unseen struggles of the military.

This December 25, witness the groundbreaking Filipino action film Topakk in cinemas, a project that represents the resilience, humanity, and indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.