"Topakk" -- the first film produced by Nathan Studios -- made a strong debut at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), garnering three awards and 12 nominations.
"We are grateful to the Metro Manila Film Festival for accepting us here even though we are new as a producer. With that, we are already a winner for making it in our first try," said film producer and veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde.
"Topakk," an action-packed film directed by award-winning director Richard Somes, received the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, the Jury Prize Award for reviving the action movie genre, and the Best Float award.
The FPJ award recognizes films that exemplify creative execution, mass appeal, redeeming values, and a focus on family and the oppressed.
"We are incredibly happy that they allowed us to be in the MMFF this year," Sanchez-Atayde said. "We didn't encounter any problems with our staffs, actors, actresses, and crews. We made sure every scene would be great for our viewers."
Starring Quezon City RepArjo Atayde, antagonist Sid Lucero, and Julia Montes, "Topakk" has elevated the Filipino action film to a new level with its production quality, visual effects, strong cast, sound design, cinematography, and unique storyline.
"Topakk" garnered international recognition prior to its MMFF debut, screening at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Locarno, Austin, and Catalonia in 2023.
"The movie was screened, praised, and recognized by foreigners in various film festivals in Locarno, Cannes, Austin, Texas, and Catalonia, Spain in 2023. That's why I told Director Richard why we do not show it in our own country," Sanchez-Atayde said.
Sanchez-Atayde expressed her gratitude to the FPJ board for recognizing the film and announced that Nathan Studios will return to the MMFF in 2025.
The Best Float award recognized the artistic design of the "Topakk" float during the annual MMFF parade.
"I told the director to make a float and I wanted to win the best float. And we did," Sanchez-Atayde said.