Glaiza de Castro to make international film fest debut
GLAIZA de Castro
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GMA7
Kapuso star Glaiza de Castro is set to make her international film festival debut at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands, representing GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ documentary 58th. The film revisits the Maguindanao Massacre through the lens of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, honored as its 58th victim.
Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, 58th features De Castro as Reynafe Castillo, Momay’s daughter, whose journey reflects the enduring pain and relentless fight for justice of the victims’ families.
“I feel incredibly privileged to tell this story and to give voice to families whose cries for justice must never be silenced,” De Castro shared.
The documentary combines animation with archival footage, weaving the tragedy’s narrative for a new generation while paying tribute to the late Ricky Davao, who plays Reynaldo Momay. The supporting cast includes Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz and Biboy Ramirez.
De Castro expressed her excitement about the film’s inclusion in IFFR, which marks GMA Pictures’ first feature to premiere internationally.
“Learning that 58th would premiere at IFFR was like receiving a double gift — both for Christmas and my birthday,” she said. “I’m thrilled to watch films from around the world and engage in discussions with fellow filmmakers and actors.”
She will be joined in Rotterdam by GMA Public Affairs Senior VP and GMA Pictures Executive VP Nessa Valdellon, along with director Carl Joseph Papa.
The selection of 58th makes history as the first GMA Network film to be showcased at IFFR, highlighting the rising global recognition of Filipino cinema. Since its founding in 1972, IFFR has been a leading platform for innovative and socially conscious filmmaking, supporting emerging talent through programs like CineMart, the Hubert Bals Fund and Rotterdam Lab.
The 2026 festival lineup also features a strong Filipino presence with films including Quezon, Moonglow, First Light, I Grew an Inch When My Father Died, Noodles, Our Love Was Instant and Forever and Daughters of the Sea.