Topakk
| Topakk | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by |
|
| Written by | Jim Flores Will Fredo Richard V. Somes |
| Produced by | Wilfredo Manalang Michaelangelo Masangkay |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Louie Quirino |
| Edited by | Jamie Dumancas |
| Music by | Jose Antonio Buencamino |
Production companies | Nathan Studios Strawdogs Studio Production FUSEE Theo & Atlas Productions |
| Distributed by | Raven Banner Entertainment |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 113 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
| Budget | $650,000[1] |
Topakk, internationally known as Triggered, is a Philippine action thriller film directed by Richard Somes. It stars Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes and Sid Lucero.[2] The film was first screened at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 and premiered at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023.[3] The film will be released theatrically in the Philippines on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.[4]
Premise
[edit]An ex-special forces operative (Arjo Atayde) who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, attempts to save a woman's life (Julia Montes) whose life is being pursued by a corrupt police death squad working for a drug cartel.
Cast and characters
[edit]Lead cast
[edit]- Arjo Atayde[5] as Miguel
- Julia Montes[6]
- Sid Lucero[7]
Supporting cast
[edit]- Kokoy de Santos[7]
- Michael Roy Jornales
- Vin Abrenica
- Paolo Paraiso[8]
- Enchong Dee[9]
Production
[edit]Topakk was produced under Nathan Studios along with Fusee, Strawdogs Studio Production and Toronto-based post sound house Theo & Atlas Productions. The film was directed by Strawdogs' Richard V. Somes.[10]
Montes started her immersion training in preparation for Topakk as early as September 2022. Cornerstone Entertainment made the special announcement of the new film on their social media accounts.[6]
Release
[edit]Canada-based Raven Banner Entertainment became the global distributor of Topakk in 2022.[10][11]
Topakk went on sale at the European Film Market, which is an "annual trade fair held simultaneously with the Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale for distributors, film buyers, producers, and financiers."[5] Topakk was acknowledged at the Cannes’ Marché du Film for the first time in France, becoming the first Filipino film to qualify under the genre category of the fantastic pavilion of Cannes.[8] After the film's gala screening at the Olympia Theater on May 19, Topakk has been sold to Lighthouse (German-speaking territories), Aud (South Korea), Superfine Films (India), Kinologistika (CIS and the Baltics).[9][7]
Topakk had its cinema premiere at the Locarno Film Festival last August 9, 2023, in Switzerland.[12][13][14]
Topakk will have its theatrical release in the Philippines on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.[4]
List of film festivals competed or exhibited
[edit]- Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland
- FrightFest, United Kingdom[15]
- Slash Fantastic Film Festival, Austria
- Sitges Film Festival, Spain[16]
- Mayhem Film Festival, United Kingdom[17]
- Fantastic Fest, United States[18][19]
- Curtas Festival do Imaxinario, Spain
- Mumbai Film Festival, India[20]
- Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Greece[21]
References
[edit]- ^ Reason, Cynthia (August 3, 2023). "Michaelangelo Masangkay's 'TOPAKK' to Mark World Premiere at Prestigious Locarno Film Fest". Toronto Film School. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (February 19, 2023). "Raven Banner Pulls 'Trigger' From the Philippines' Richard Somes — EFM". Variety. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ "Arjo attends 'Topakk' screening at Locarno film fest". ABS-CBN News. August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ a b "Metro Manila Film Festival announces last 5 official entries for 2024 edition". Rappler. October 22, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ a b "Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes film 'Topakk' for sale at European Film Market". www.philstar.com. February 22, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Pasajol, Anne (September 26, 2022). "LOOK: Julia Montes gears up for new action film with Arjo Atayde, Sid Lucero". Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ a b c Bałaga, Marta (August 4, 2023). "Locarno Action Spectacle 'Topakk' Introduces 'Flawed' Hero, Debuts Trailer, Racks Up Sales: 'We Are Doing It the Old-School Way' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ a b "Atayde returns home after Cannes acknowledged Filipino film 'Topakk'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Cruz, Marinel (May 26, 2023). "PH action film 'Topakk' screened at Cannes". Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ a b "Topakk secures Hollywood sales and distribution". Manila Bulletin. November 18, 2022. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ Shackleton, Liz (November 2, 2022). "Raven Banner Boards Filipino Action Thriller 'Trigger' To Exec Produce, Handle International Sales – AFM". Deadline. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ Festival, Asian Film (July 5, 2023). "76th Locarno Film Festival – Asian Presence 2023". Asian Film Festivals. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ "Topakk". Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ "Arjo Atayde's 'Topakk' to premiere at Locarno film fest". ABS-CBN News. July 6, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ Hughes, Kat (August 27, 2023). "'Topakk' review: Dir. Richard Somes [FrightFest 2023]". The Hollywood News. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Triggered | Sitges Film Festival". sitgesfilmfestival.com. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Mayhem Film Festival announces full festival line-up". Broadway. September 12, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Triggered". Fantastic Fest. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Fantastic Fest 2023 Review: TRIGGERED (Topakk), Brutal Action Highlights Flick From The Philippines". screenanarchy.com. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Triggered | Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival". mami.mumbaifilmfestival.com. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ Thessaloniki International Film Festival — Triggered, retrieved November 3, 2023