After earning international acclaim and making history on the global festival circuit, GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ award-winning animated documentary “58th” is finally coming home for its highly anticipated Philippine premiere at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, 58th will screen on August 13, 2026 (Thursday), at 8:30 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Premiere Theater & Cinema 1 as part of this year’s Cinemalaya lineup.
The animated documentary pays tribute to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, the deadliest attack on journalists in history, while shining a light on the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose body was never recovered and who continues to seek official recognition as the massacre’s 58th victim.
Blending striking animation with archival footage, 58th revisits one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history through a powerful and accessible visual narrative. The film explores timely themes of press freedom, election violence, impunity, accountability, and the continuing fight for truth and justice, making the story resonate with both younger generations and international audiences.
The film also marks the final screen performance of the late Ricky Davao, who lends his voice to Reynaldo Momay. He is joined by an acclaimed cast led by Glaiza de Castro, alongside Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez.
Before its Philippine premiere, 58th built an impressive international festival run. It made its world premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), becoming the first GMA-produced film to screen at the prestigious festival. It was later recognized as one of the festival’s Top 10 Audience Choice Films, highlighting its powerful impact on global audiences.
The film also made history as the first GMA Network production selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France under the Contrechamp Feature Films category, one of the world’s most prestigious showcases for animated cinema.
Most recently, 58th received the Facing the Edge Award at New Zealand’s 2026 Doc Edge Festival, an Academy Awards-qualifying documentary festival. The honor is presented to films that challenge audiences to reflect on issues surrounding justice, humanity, technology, and social change.
Produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, 58th is creatively produced by Public Affairs SAVP for Documentaries Johnson Tam together with Program Manager Ian Simbulan. The film reflects GMA’s continuing commitment to creating socially relevant, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences both in the Philippines and around the world.
Don’t miss the Philippine premiere of 58th at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 13, 2026, at 8:30 p.m., at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Premiere Theater & Cinema 1.
