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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider '58th' wins top award at New Zealand's Doc Edge Festival

'58th' wins top award at New Zealand's Doc Edge Festival

Published Jul 3, 2026 03:55 pm

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures' animated documentary "58th" has earned another international accolade after winning the Facing the Edge Award at the 2026 Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand.

The recognition was announced during the annual documentary festival, regarded as New Zealand's leading documentary event and an Academy Awards-qualifying festival.

The Facing the Edge Award is presented to films that challenge audiences to reflect on issues involving justice, technology, love, and humanity in a rapidly changing world.

Directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, "58th" stars Glaiza de Castro and tells the story surrounding the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, considered the deadliest attack on journalists in history.

The film revisits the tragedy while highlighting the unresolved case of photojournalist Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay, whose remains were never recovered and who has yet to be officially recognized as the massacre's 58th victim.

The latest honor adds to the film's growing international profile.

Earlier this year, "58th" was selected for the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France and was also named among the Top 10 Audience Choice Films at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Accepting the award at the festival, GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon dedicated the recognition to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, their families, and the filmmakers behind the project.

"This is for the 58 victims of the Maguindanao Massacre and their families, especially for photojournalist Bebot Momay, whose body was not found and is still not officially recognized in this case," Valdellon said.

She also acknowledged director Carl Joseph Papa, Momay's family, and the GMA Public Affairs documentary team, describing the award as the group's first victory at an international documentary festival.

Beyond receiving the award, Valdellon also participated in the Doc Edge Pitch as a Wayfinder, where she mentored documentary filmmakers by offering feedback and industry guidance on developing documentary projects.

The Doc Edge recognition marks another milestone for Philippine documentary filmmaking and further strengthens "58th"'s campaign on the international festival circuit.

Related Tags

58th Doc Edge Festival 2026 Carl Joseph Papa Glaiza de Castro GMA Public Affairs GMA Pictures Maguindanao Massacre Bebot Momay New Zealand film festival
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