MMFF 2024 ENTRY 'TOPAKK' AIMS TO BREAK THE SILENCE ON PTSD

Julia Montes said yes to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry "Topakk" (English title: "Triggered") because of its core theme on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

The action-packed thriller "Topakk," produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee and Strawdogs, is making its homecoming premiere at the 50th MMFF after it mounted its world premiere at Cannes, Austin and Locarno film festivals.

Helmed by Richard V. Somes, "Topakk" is centered on a former special forces operative battling PTSD whose path intersects with a brother and sister both on the run from criminal forces. Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes are the lead stars.

The flick delves into the themes of redemption, mental health and corruption, as told through intense action sequences and emotional depth.

When direk Richard told Julia of "Topakk's" storyline, she easily agreed to do it because of its central theme on PTSD. "It's about time that PTSD will be discussed here in the Philippines because it's not being talked about here," she pointed out at a presscon.

"For sure, some of us have already felt it. Sometimes, it would cause palpitation, feelings of loneliness na wala namang currently na nangyayari but you feel something. But we, us Filipinos, got used to thinking like, (especially) old folks, 'Tulog mo lang yan,' or no one listens to us when we want to say something."