On Thursday, actor Arjo Atayde went home to inform local cinema fans of his film’s success at Cannes’ Marché du cinema.
After “Topakk” (Trigger) reached it to Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion, Atayde is hopeful that additional Filipino films made by skilled local filmmakers would soon compete with international films.
“It’s also our first time watching the movie and we’re excited just like you are,” Atayde, also Quezon City 1st District congressman, said in a short remark at the film’s premiere gala showing last May 18 at the Olympia Theater. “Shooting this film was a journey.”
Richard Somes directed “Topakk,” an action-drama about a security guard (Atayde) with PTSD. It was the only Filipino film to qualify for the Fantastic Pavilion, starring Julia Montes.
“Definitely leveling up Philippine action films and leveling up with other countries, and practically pushing Filipino talents out there, as much as other countries are. He continued, “This is different to serve different people.”
Hollywood is distributing “Topakk,” produced by Nathan Studios Inc. and Raven Banner Entertainment in Canada, worldwide, including in Europe.
All nations buying Topakk will translate it. They’ll be marketed to movie-hungry nations. Atayde, Vice Chair of the House of Representatives Creative Industry and Performing Arts committee, said, “We’re targeting over 100 countries.”
Ria Atayde, his sister, and Enchong Dee also returned to the nation.
Creative Arts Act
Atayde applauded the Special Program in the Creative Arts Act, which passed on third reading in Congress, even though Topakk was the first genre action picture from the Philippines.
Atayde, one of the bill’s main writers, said House Bill 7540 would let more young filmmakers and artists to participate in international festivals.
“Institutionalizing a Special Program in the Creative Arts (SPCA) for senior high school students will strengthen the reputation of Filipinos as world-class creative talents as our students will be honed in their craft at a young age.”
If the bill passes, Atayde says kids will be taught a specific curriculum in architecture and related arts, film, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, design, digital fabrication, and new media.
“By providing our artistically inclined students with adequate training, we would be producing world-class artists with firm academic foundation and a deep sense of patriotism,” the 32-year-old politician said.
He said kids will learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights to prepare them for sustainable careers.
Atayde said the regulation will allow students to learn from established artists.
