Topakk's first-ever entry in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) under Nathan Studios is satisfying and inspiring after winning three awards and 12 nominations, according to film producer veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde. 

“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,” Sanchez-Atayde said after receiving one of Topakk’s three awards — the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence. 

Topakk — the only action-packed film entry in this year’s MMFF since 2022 and directed by award winning director Richard Somes — also bagged the Jury Prize Award for reviving a lost genres in action movie and the Best Float. 

The basis for the FPJ award is not only an epic action film but also the content and the film’s elements, from creative execution, great appeal to the masses, redeeming values, and the love for family and the oppressed, have also been seen in the movie. 

Sanchez-Atayde is very thankful to the FPJ board for recognizing the movie. 

She also shared that Topakk was also shown internationally in 2023 from 78th Cannes Film Festival in France, at the 76thLocarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023, and film festivals in Austin Texas, and Catalonia, Spain in September 2023 before coming home this year to the MMFF. 

“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 Direct Richard why we do not show it in our own country.” 

Starring Quezon City first district Cong. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, antagonist Sid Lucero, and Julia Montes, Topakk has set the Filipino action movie into a higher global level from overall production, visual effects, great castings, sounds, cinematography, and unique storylines.

“We are incredibly happy that they allowed us to be in the MMFF this year. We didn’t encounter any problems with our staff, actors, actresses and crews. We made sure every scene would be great for our viewers,” she added. 

Sanchez-Atayde added that Nathan Studios would return in the 2025 MMFF. 

Aside from the FPJ Award for Excellence and Jury Prize Award, Topakk also won the Best Float with its artistic design based on the movie during last week's parade. 

“I told direct to make a float and I wanted to win the best float. And we did,” Sanchez-Atayde said.