MMFF 2024 entry ‘Topakk’ brings awareness about PTSD
Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes during the grand media conference for the MMFF entry “Topakk”. Image: Instagram/@starmagicphils
Apart from its thrilling action scenes, filmmaker Richard V. Sommes and the cast of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Topakk” said their film is a firm reminder to raise awareness of the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The film was screened at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, before premiering at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland three months later. More than a year later, it came home to the Philippines in time for the 50th edition of the MMFF.
It tells the story of an ex-special forces operative named Miguel (Arjo Atayde) who’s forced to confront his PTSD after crossing paths with Weng (Julia Montes) and Bogs (Kokoy de Santos), who have been on a cat-and-mouse chase from a police death squad.
Touching on its central theme, Sommes said during the film’s media con that he chose to put the spotlight on Miguel’s PTSD to raise conversations on why it needs to be addressed in a wider platform. “I think PTSD in the Philippines is not as [widely] discussed as opposed to other countries.”
The filmmaker, however, noted that while Filipinos are known for their resiliency and for bringing communities together, it glosses over the reason why trauma needs to be discussed.
Article continues after this advertisement“Filipinos are collective. We are more of a community. When we have problems, we are used to gathering with family or friends, and somehow, we feel okay. We’re family-centered, while people in other countries are accustomed to living independently,” he said of the MMFF movie.
“This is why for us, we’re used to thinking that it’s a normal thing and we can push through our struggles. Only to realize some deeper causes and effects that need to be addressed,” continued Sommes.
About time trauma is addressed
Meanwhile, Montes said “Topakk’s” theme is the main reason why she chose to be part of the film. “It’s about time. Hindi pa natin nadi-discuss [nang mabuti] ang PTSD, and I’m sure there are moments where you’re palpitating or you feel lonely.”
“Pero sanay tayo sa Filipino thinking na, ‘Itulog mo lang yan’ or hindi tayo napapakinggan when we want to say something,” she continued. “More than anything, nagustuhan ko ang film because it tells us that we need to be more open. Let us be more kind sa lahat ng nakakasalamuha natin. We don’t know ‘yung struggle nila.”
(It’s about time. We haven’t discussed PTSD more openly, and I’m sure we have moments of palpitation or loneliness. We’re used in the Filipino thinking such as, “Just sleep it off” or we’re not being heard when we want to say something. More than anything, I like the film because it tells us that we need to be more open. Let us be kinder. We don’t know what people are going through.)
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LOOK: The cast, director, and producers of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “Topakk” gather in the movie’s grand press conference in Quezon City.
The Richard Somes-helmed film stars Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, Sid Lucero, and… pic.twitter.com/fJTgHcS98X
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Enchong Dee, who stars as Leon in the film, said the film is a reminder that trauma doesn’t just happen from traumatic experiences. “With the new studies coming out, we realize that PTSD doesn’t just happen to those coming from the war.”
“A traumatic relationship can give you PTSD,” he further added. “Iba-iba ang approach and nakakatuwa sa pelikula ito is [malinaw] siyang nailatag (It comes from different moments. And what’s nice about the film is that it was laid out properly).”
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One of the key elements in portraying Miguel was his twitching, indicating his struggle with PTSD, which Atayde admitted was initially tough for him to do.
“I’m not sure if you noticed but I had these twitches [showing signs of my character’s PTSD] that Direk helped me with. I remember when the film started, I was struggling with how to control my anger as someone who’s dealing with it,” Atayde recalled.
“Especially the people who are aware of their conditions, there’s a spark and they’re trying to be aware of it. It’s very traumatic,” he continued.
Also part of the film are Sid Lucero, Paolo Paraiso, Cholo Barretto, Vin Abrenica, Julio De Leon, Bernard Palanca, Elora Españo, Maureen Mauricio, and Anne Feo.
The MMFF will start on December 25, 2024 up to the first week of January. There are 10 movies participating in the film festival.
