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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on making films: 'It's my small way of giving back to the film industry'

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on making films: 'It's my small way of giving back to the film industry'

Published Jun 3, 2025 12:04 pm  |  Updated Jun 3, 2025 05:12 pm
Being the self-proclaimed cineaste (devotee of movies) that he is, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio once again proved his love producing movies with his new film "Spring in Prague."
During the special red carpet premiere of the film, held at the Uptown Cinema in Bonifacio Global City last May 28, Atty. Topacio shared why he chose to produce films despite the struggle of Pinoy filmmakers.
"Seriously speaking, it's a passion, an avocation and it's my small way of giving back to the film industry that I love. Kasi bata pa lang ako mahilig na ako sa pelikula," Atty. Topacio said.
(Seriously speaking, it's a passion, an avocation and it's my small way of giving back to the film industry that I love. Since I was a child, I've been passionate about films)
Atty. Topacio also shared that producing films has always been a dream of his.
"Pangarap ko talaga na sabi ko, bago ako mamatay makagawa man lang ng isang pelikula. Pangatlo ko na actually ito, and pakonti-konti lang naman hindi naman kailangan marami kasi at least nandiyan yan. It's my legacy habang buhay nandiyan ang mga pelikula ko," he added.
(It's my dream, I said, to make at least one movie before I die. This is my third, and just a little bit, I don't need a lot because at least that's there. It's my legacy, my movies will be there for the rest of my life.)
Paolo Gumabao, who plays the role of Alfonso in the film, shared how grateful and proud he is to be part of this film.
"It’s such a good fortune to have Prague as my introduction to Europe. And I’m glad to do it for a film that bridges nations," Paolo said.
Directed by Lester Dimaranan, "Spring In Prague" also stars Sara Sandeva as Marie.
Alfonso will fall for her character while she is vacationing in the Philippines.
What starts as a fleeting summer romance soon blossoms into an unexpected journey of the heart, as he travels all the way to Prague to find out if their connection is more than just a holiday fling.
Atty. Topacio explained that the film had "something to say about democracy versus dictatorship or communism."
''Spring in Prague'' is released during the golden celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries.
The world premiere of "Spring in Prague" is scheduled September 5 at the ASEAN Filmfest in Prague.
Borracho Productions' next project will be a science fiction horror movie about the perils of artificial intelligence.
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