TOPAKK: Freestyle Acquires Hit Filipino Action Crime Thriller For North American Release
I can’t begin to tell you how happy I was when word of Freestyle Digital Media’s acquisition of Topakk came into my mailbox on Wednesday. Richard V. Somes directed something awesome for action fans here, and it’s not everyday that I get to share announcements for lauded action titles straight from my inbox.
If you’re curious as to why I’m so ecstatic, you’re welcome to tap here for my previous coverage of the film. I reviewed it for its Locarno premiere in 2023 and even got the opportunity to share some interview questions with the director himself, one to which he response with loads of praise for lead actor Arjo Atayde:
Arjo Atayde is one of our great dramatic actors in our country. I truly believe he understands this whole situation of the character I offered to him, because he is a thinking actor, and very instinctive when it comes to developing the character inside him. I really looked for someone with great depth and emotion, and the acumen to deal his character mentally, physically, emotionally, and I believe I found it in Arjo Atayde. Then he brought a whole different level of energy and different layers of nuance and such meticulous detail in his character, which gives a pure and genuine interpretation of someone who is struggling with a whole lot conplexities in his life. Arjo Atayde surprised me in a whole lot of levels.
Somes is still cooking in the horror and action genres as of late, so don’t sleep on him going forward. In the meantime, Freestyle is sending the word out to all folks keen on catching Topakk for its North American rollout on Digital and DVD beginning May 13. Read on!
FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA ACQUIRES PHILIPPINE ACTION-DRAMA “TOPAKK” FOR MAY RELEASE
Action-Packed Military-Themed Drama Sets Digital Debut for North American VOD Platforms and DVD on May 13, 2025
Los Angeles, CA – April 30, 2025 Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to the Philippine action-packed military-themed drama TOPAKK, which will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting May 13, 2025. TOPAKK was first screened during the 78th Cannes Film Festival and premiered at Switzerland’s 76th annual Locarno Film Festival.
TOPAKK tells the story of Miguel, a security guard who faces a deadly conflict with drug dealers and a vigilante squad after his platoon is murdered. Miguel is an ex-special forces operative suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In his bid for redemption as a security guard, attempts to save the life of a woman who is being hunted by a corrupt police death squad working for a drug cartel. Discharged from the army due to his PTSD, Miguel gets involved in a new battle when a drug peddler seeks his protection from a vigilante death squad. As he navigates this dangerous situation, he must also confront his own demons to find redemption.
Directed by Richard Somes, TOPAKK was written by Richard V. Somes, Will Fredo, and Jimmy Francisco Flores and produced by Richard Somes, Sylvia Sanchez, and Ria Atayde. The TOPAKK cast features Arjo Atayde (‘Miguel Vergara’), Julia Montes (‘Weng Diwata’), Kokoy De Santos (‘Bogs Diwata’), and Sid Lucero (‘Romero’).
“TOPAKK is a deeply personal journey—my confrontation with violence in all its brutal forms,” said filmmaker Richard Somes. “TOPAKK is a reflection on senseless death and aggression, a commentary on the cruelty born out of war and power. This work challenges us to face the fear, savagery, and oppression inflicted by those who claim authority.”
“I am very proud of the work we did with TOPAKK,” said producer Sylvia Sanchez. “From Cannes to Locarno to Fantastic Fest, we were able to travel and showcase Filipino artistry in the form of our superb cast and visionary director. It has been such a great experience from pre-production, to everything after and we are so excited to share this with everyone.”
Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire TOPAKK with Raven Banner Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.
