Sylvia Sanchez raves over MMFF success of 'Topakk'
MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actress and first-time film producer Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde said she is thankful and more inspired after her movie “Topakk” made waves in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with 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,” Sanchez-Atayde said after receiving one of the movie's three awards — the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence.
Nathan Studios’ "Topakk" — the only action entry in this year’s MMFF since 2022 — also bagged the Jury Prize Award and the Best Float plum.
In particular, the FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence not only fetes films for their action aspect, but also for their content, creative execution, mass appeal, redeeming values, and focus for love for family and the oppressed, which were shown in the movie directed by award-winning director Richard Somes.
Sanchez-Atayde also thanked the FPJ board for the recognition.
Meanwhile, she recounted "Topakk" being also recently screened in the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France, the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, and film festivals in Austin, Texas, and Catalonia, Spain.
“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 don't we show it in our own country,” she added.
Starring veteran actor and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, Sid Lucero, and Julia Montes, "Topakk" has set the bar high for Filipino action films due to its overall production level, visual effects, casting, sounds, cinematography and unique storyline.
“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 crew. We made sure every scene would be great for our viewers,” she added.
Sanchez-Atayde added that Nathan Studios will return in the 2025 MMFF.
RELATED: 'Topakk' wins big at 50th MMFF
- Latest
- Trending
