“TOPAKK” cemented its reputation as a high-caliber, action-packed film by winning three awards at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal Friday evening, earning recognition for its original storyline.
The film’s lead actor, Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, and the rest of the cast walked the red carpet at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino. The film took home the Best Float Award, the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence and the prestigious Jury Prize Award.
“Given that we are the most action-packed film this Christmas, thank you very much MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), MMFF and all the juries for the recognition. May we give all genres a reason to come back to this Metro Manila Film Festival,” said Atayde, also Quezon City’s first district congressman, as he accepted the FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence.
MMFF WINNERS (From left) Topakk director Richard Somes, lead actor and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde, Nathan Studios’ Sylvia Sanchez- Atayde and co-producer Will Fredo show their respective trophies after the awards night. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence honors the legacy of the legendary Filipino actor and has been a part of the festival since 2012. It recognizes films that embody action, creative storytelling, mass appeal, redeeming values, and love for family and the oppressed — all elements reflected in “Topakk,” which stars Atayde and Julia Montes.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Richard Somes, “Topakk” is the only action film entry in the 2024 MMFF.
Produced by Nathan Studios, “Topakk” first screened at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France in May 2023. It then featured at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023, followed by screenings at international festivals in Austin, Texas, and Catalonia, Spain, in September 2023. Its return to the Philippines for the MMFF marked a homecoming for the critically acclaimed movie.
“When we brought this film last year to Cannes, Locarno, Austin, Texas and Spain, it was met with applause and admiration from international audiences,” said Nathan Studios head Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde. “So, we thought, why not showcase it here in our own country? That’s why we decided to include it in the MMFF. Thank you to MMFF for accepting us, even as first-time producers. That alone is a win for us. Our first attempt, and we made it in.”
Sanchez-Atayde also praised the cast and crew. “Not once did we have problems with any of the artists. It’s important for producers to have a talented and kind cast, along with a dedicated staff and crew. This is just the beginning for Nathan Studios. In 2025, we’ll be back,” she said.
Receiving the Jury Prize Award was also a testament to “Topakk’s” excellence, recognizing its achievements in filmmaking, its revival of the action genre in Philippine cinema, and its ability to bring magic back to the genre.
Sanchez-Atayde, co-producer Will Fredo, Atayde and director Somes took to the stage alongside the cast to accept the Jury Prize Award, expressing their gratitude for the recognition.
“Who would have thought that an action film would make it into the MMFF? We were the only ones who believed we could do this. Now, I hope this becomes the first step for action films to gain recognition again in Filipino cinema and to change the perception of everyone watching action films. Long live Filipino action cinema,” Somes said in his speech.
In the film, Atayde plays Miguel, an ex-military man battling post-traumatic stress disorder, who rescues Weng, played by Montes, from a corrupt police death squad tied to a drug cartel. The movie features relentless action and an intense storyline, with Sid Lucero and Bernard Palanca portraying antagonists.
The film received a total of 12 nominations including Best Actor (Atayde), Best Actress (Montes), Best Supporting Actor (Kokoy De Santos and Sid Lucero), Best Cinematography (Louie Quirino), Best Original Theme Song (Darkness Calls), Best Editing (Jaime Dumancas), Best Director (Somes), Best Production Design (Somes), Best Musical Score (Jose Antonio Buencamino), Best Sound (Wild Sound) and Best Visual Effects (Rance Cariño).
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