GMA Pictures’ 58th has been named among eight Philippine films shortlisted as contenders for the country’s official submission to the Best International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards, or the Oscars.
The Philippines’ official entry will be announced on September 4 during the opening ceremony of Philippine Film Industry Month, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Combining animation and archival footage, 58th revisits the Maguindanao Massacre, widely regarded as the deadliest attack on journalists in history. The film brings renewed attention to the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose body was never recovered and whose family continues to seek official recognition for him as the massacre’s 58th victim.
The animated documentary also marks the final film performance of the late Ricky Davao, who portrays Momay. The cast is led by Glaiza de Castro, alongside Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez.
Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, 58th has already gained recognition on the international festival circuit. The film had its world premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), becoming the first GMA-produced film to screen at the prestigious festival, where it was later named among the Top 10 Audience Choice Films.
It was also selected for the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, where it competed in the Contrechamp Feature Films category.
The film subsequently received the Facing the Edge Award at the 2026 Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand, an Academy Awards-qualifying documentary festival.
Following its Philippine premiere at the 2026 Cinemalaya Film Festival last August, 58th is set to screen at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles, California, on September 5 at 2 p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
The film will also be featured at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which runs from October 6 to 15. It will screen under the Documentary Showcase of BIFF’s Wide Angle section alongside a selection of distinctive documentary works.
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.
