RICHARD V. Somes’ action spectacle Topakk has been making international headlines. Set to premiere at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
Topakk, whose international title is Trigger, is a truly gripping narrative exploring the life of a man battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The protagonist, Miguel, portrayed by Arjo Atayde, is a discharged military man who finds himself in a different kind of war when a drug peddler seeks his protection against a vigilante death squad.
Somes, who co-wrote Topakk with Jim Flores and Will Fredo, was inspired by 1980s action films like Commando and First Blood. He set out to create a flawed and human character, not someone who’s invincible. The character of Miguel was based on real people Somes met in the Philippines, many of whom were security guards who once aspired to be decorated soldiers but are now merely trying to survive.
The film also stars Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee, Kokoy De Santos, and Paolo Paraiso. Julia Montes plays a street-smart woman who has seen it all. Somes has a history of creating strong female characters who are survivors, not victims, a trait he attributes to being raised by a single mother.
Atayde’s portrayal of Miguel isn’t your typical “macho” action hero. Somes wanted a character who was strong on the inside, not necessarily on the outside. Atayde’s character doesn’t see himself as a hero but promises that if they go down, they won’t go down alone.
Atayde will be flying to Locarno with key people from Nathan Studios, that produced the film. He will represent Topakk in the festival as one of its stars. But Atayde’s trip to Locarno is also an official function as he is set to represent the country and the House of Representatives in the hopes of gaining more knowledge on current trends in filmmaking by participating in seminars and talks during the festival. Atayde will lead Nathan Studios in meetings with independent producers to learn new methods to integrate into the country’s creative industry.
As the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Creative Industries, it’s Atayde’s responsibility to help expose the Filipino film industry to beautiful locations while exploring the possibility of future collaborations with international actors and producers.
While the characters in Topakk are grounded, the action scenes are larger than life. Somes aimed to create a raw, visceral experience for viewers, using old-school methods to make the action feel more real. Despite the constraints, the team created a film that was both engaging and impactful.
Topakk was already acknowledged at Cannes’ Marché du Film Fantastic Pavilion, marking a milestone for Filipino cinema. The film, produced by Nathan Studios Inc. and supported by the Canadian-based production company Raven Banner Entertainment, is being picked up for global sales and film market distribution worldwide.
This success story is a testament to the potential of Filipino films to compete on the international stage. With the recent passage of the Special Program in the Creative Arts Act in the Philippines, more young filmmakers will be able to showcase their talents globally. The future of Filipino cinema looks promising, and Topakk is just the beginning.
