Actor and neophyte congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde returned home triumphant recently.
A few days ago, his film “Topakk (Trigger)” was screened at the Fantastic Pavilion of the Cannes Marché du Film in France.
After watching the film at the Olympia Theater, Atayde expressed, “It’s also our first time watching the movie and we’re excited just like you are.”
“It’s really been a journey shooting this film,” he added.
“Topakk (Trigger),” is an action-drama focusing on a security guard who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as played by Atayde.
Directed by Richard Somes, it also stars Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, among others.
“Topakk (Trigger)” was the only Filipino film to qualify under the genre category at the Fantastic Pavilion.
“Definitely we’re leveling up the action films of the Philippines, and leveling up with the other countries as well, and practically we are pushing Filipino talents out there, as much as other countries are as well. Definitely, this is something different to cater to different people,” said Atayde.
“Topakk (Trigger),” produced by Nathan Studios Inc. as supported by Canadian-based production company Raven Banner Entertainment, has been picked up for sales and distribution all over the world.
“Topakk will be translated in all the countries buying them. They will be sold to all the countries that want the movies. We’re targeting over 100 countries,” Atayde, the Vice Chairperson of the Creative Industry and Performing Arts committee in the House of Representatives, added.
Meanwhile, Atayde praised the recent passage of the Special Program in the Creative Arts Act on the third reading at the House of Representatives.
“The proposed law will give more young filmmakers and artists a chance to be featured in international festivals,” Atayde, one of the principal authors of the bill, said, referring to the House Bill 7540.
“Institutionalizing a Special Program in the Creative Arts (SPCA) for senior high school students will strengthen the reputation of Filipinos as world-class talents in the creative industry as our students will be honed in their craft at a young age.”
Students, Atayde said, shall be trained under a special curriculum oriented in the fields of architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, design, digital fabrication and new media.
