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Arjo Atayde-starrer ‘Topakk’ to screen at Cannes Film Festival

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Paulea Jence Benoza

The feature film Topakk (Trigger) by Richard Somes, starring award-winning actor Arjo Atayde, was selected to be part of this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France.The action thriller, featuring Julia Montes, will be screened at the inaugural Fantastic Pavilion of Cannes’ Marché du Film, which will run from May 16 to 22, according to its website. The Pavilion is dedicated solely to the advancement of the genre film industry — it aims to “both accelerate and symbolize the now significant role that genre plays in international market dynamics.”Based on its official synopsis, Topakk tells the story of a lonely security guard (Arjo) who was previously discharged from the military due to his post-traumatic stress disorder. He finds himself embroiled in a different kind of war when a young woman (Julia) seeks his protection against a corrupt police death squad. While the pair fight for their lives, the man must confront his inner demons to earn his redemption.On Instagram, producer and Arjo’s mother, Sylvia Sanchez, shared the exciting news to her fans.“This makes me unimaginably happy &amp; proud! I’m hoping for the best as we sell TOPAKK in Cannes in our advocacy to showcase Filipino talent at its finest!” she said.“Our action-thriller movie from the Philippines, Topakk (Trigger) by director Richard Somes, has been selected as 1 of the 7 genre films to be screened and featured during the festivities. Wohooo! Congratulations to the entire TOPAKK team! Mabuhay kayo!” she added.<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsTXRv2yu1P/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A936897.0999999642%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="845" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Chatting with ABS-CBN News in January, Arjo — who is also set to star in the international thriller Cattleya Killer — said he is grateful to be part of Topakk.“It’s a very well thought of concept by direk Richard. I’m just lucky to be on board, to be doing a project with direk Richard,” he said.Talking about his preparations for the role, Arjo said, “I watched videos sa YouTube about people suffering from PTSD. I studied my role. Nung binigay sa akin ang role, I told direk na mag-send ng videos sa akin and I watched them bago matulog. ‘Yun ang assignment ko. At least once a day, either day or night, make sure to watch these videos.”Topakk also stars Sid Lucero, with Enchong Dee, and Kokoy De Santos. The film is co-produced by Nathan Studios, Strawdogs Studio Production, FUSEE, and Theo &amp; Atlas Productions, in association with Canada-based production outfit Raven Banner Entertainment.The Cannes Film Festival will run from May 16 to May 27, 2023.

The feature film ‘Topakk (Trigger)’ by Richard Somes, starring award-winning actor Arjo Atayde, was selected to be part of this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France.

The feature film ‘Topakk (Trigger)’ by Richard Somes, starring award-winning actor Arjo Atayde, was selected to be part of this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France.

Arjo Atayde-starrer ‘Topakk’ to screen at Cannes Film Festival

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Arjo Atayde-starrer ‘Topakk’ to screen at Cannes Film Festival

Leah Bueno

Published May 17, 2023 11:16 AM PHT

Read More:

Kokoy De Santos

Sylvia Sanchez

Richard Somes

Sid Lucero

Julia Montes

Arjo Atayde

Topakk

The Cattleya Killer

ABS-CBN News

Cannes Film Festival

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