Arjo Atayde's 'Topakk' to have world premiere at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland

The Filipino cinema marks another milestone as action-thriller movie Topakk, starring Arjo Atayde, is set to have its world premiere at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland this August.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced it on social media on Thursday. Directed by Richard Somes, the film was also one of the recipients of the FDCP's CreatePHFilms Large Budget Production Fund in 2021.

Topakk follows the story of Miguel (Arjo Atayde), a security guard who was previously discharged from the military due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He finds himself embroiled in a different kind of war when he attempts to save the life of a woman who is being hunted by a corrupt police death squad working for a drug cartel.

The film also stars Sid Lucero and Julia Montes. It had its gala screening at the Cannes’ Marché du Film Fantastic Pavilion in France last May.

Lacarno Film Festival is Switzerland’s most prestigious film festival that will be held from August 2 to 12, 2023. It features The Pardo d'oro (Golden Leopard) award which is considered as one of the most prestigious awards in the world of independent cinema. It brings significant recognition and attention from the industry but also from international filmmakers and cinephiles.

Atayde also stars in Prime Video's psychological thriller series, Cattleya Killer where he plays the role of Anton dela Rosa, a son of a cop who eventually becomes the prime suspect of a murder when past traumas and long-buried secrets were brought to light.