Award-winning animated documentary '58th' to premiere in PH at Cinemalaya
By Neil Ramos
Award-winning animated documentary "58th" will finally have its Philippine premiere at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival following a successful run in international film festivals.
Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, the film is scheduled to screen on Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m. at the Red Carpet Premiere Theater & Cinema 1 in Shangri-La Plaza as part of this year's Cinemalaya lineup.
The film centers on the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, considered the deadliest single attack on journalists in history, and revisits the story of photojournalist Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay, whose remains have never been found and who has yet to be officially recognized as the massacre's 58th victim.
Combining animation with archival footage, "58th" explores issues surrounding press freedom, election violence, impunity, accountability and the continuing search for justice.
The film also marks the final screen performance of the late Ricky Davao, who portrays Momay. Glaiza de Castro leads the cast, joined by Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz and Biboy Ramirez.
Before its local premiere, "58th" debuted at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), where it became the first GMA-produced film to screen at the festival. It later landed among the festival's Top 10 Audience Choice Films.
The documentary was also selected for the Contrechamp Feature Films section of the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, becoming the first film produced by GMA to be screened at the animation festival.
Most recently, the film received the Facing the Edge Award at New Zealand's Doc Edge Festival, an Academy Awards-qualifying documentary festival that recognizes films tackling issues related to justice, humanity and social change.
"58th" is produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures. It is creatively produced by Johnson Tam, senior assistant vice president for documentaries at GMA Public Affairs, together with program manager Ian Simbulan.