After earning recognition at several international film festivals, the animated documentary 58th is finally set to premiere in the Philippines as part of the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, the film will have its local debut on 13 August at 8:30 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Premiere Theater and Cinema 1.

58th pays tribute to the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, with particular focus on photojournalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose remains were never recovered and whose recognition as the massacre’s 58th victim remains unresolved.

Combining animation with archival materials, the documentary revisits one of the country’s darkest moments while tackling issues surrounding press freedom, political violence, accountability, democracy and the continuing fight for justice.

The film also marks the final screen performance of the late Ricky Davao, who portrayed Momay. Joining him in the cast are Glaiza de Castro, Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz and Biboy Ramirez.

Before its Philippine screening, 58th built an impressive international festival résumé. It premiered earlier this year at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, becoming the first GMA-produced film to be showcased at the prestigious event. The documentary later landed among the festival’s Top 10 Audience Choice Films.

The film also broke new ground as the first GMA Network production selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, where it competed under the Contrechamp Feature Films section.

58th recently received the Facing the Edge Award at New Zealand’s Doc Edge Festival, an Academy Awards-qualifying documentary festival that honors films exploring themes of justice, humanity, social change and technology.