“Topakk” has, no doubt, set the bar high for local action films, earning 12 nominations on its way to bagging three plums at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal.
Notably, apart from winning Best Float, “Topakk” won the prestigious Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, and a Jury Prize.
“Given that we are the most action-packed film this Christmas, may we give all genres a reason to comeback this Metro Manila Film Festival,” “Topakk” lead star Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, also Congressman of Quezon City’s first district, said after receiving the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, as bestowed by the MMFF in memory of the great Filipino actor since 2012.
“Thank you very much MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority), MMFF, and all the juries for the recognition. I am so happy to see everyone. It is like a big reunion. So happy to be on stage again. Thank you for supporting ‘Topakk’ and all Filipino movies,” Atayde added.
“Topakk,” meanwhile, won the Jury Prize Award for exemplifying Filipino talent in filmmaking, and for reviving a lost genre in Philippine cinema.
Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, “Topakk” co-producer Will Fredo, Arjo Atayde, and director Somes, among others, went to the stage to receive the Jury Prize Award and thank everyone for the valuable recognition.
Nathan Studios took a gamble in producing the thrilling action film in May 2023.
It made its debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France, before being screened at the 76thLocarno Film Festival in Switzerland, followed by more screenings at several other international film festivals in Austin, Texas, and Catalonia, Spain.
