“58th” wins big at the 3rd Manila International Film Festival

GMA Network’s groundbreaking animated documentary “58th" continues its stellar international run, winning three major awards at the 3rd Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, including the Best Picture Documentary Award.

Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, “58th” tackles the Maguindanao Massacre in 2009—considered the deadliest attack on journalists in history. Combining animation and archival footage, it puts the spotlight on Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose body was never found and whose family continues to seek official recognition as the massacre's 58th victim.

Acclaimed filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa won the Best Director award for the film. Meanwhile, the festival’s special Shining A Light award was presented to Momay’s daughter Reynafe Castillo for her invaluable involvement and dedication to the project.

“58th” also serves as the final film performance of the late Ricky Davao, who portrayed Reynaldo Momay. Leading the cast is Glaiza de Castro, alongside Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez.

GMA Public Affairs SAVP for Documentaries Johnson Tam, along with Program Manager Ian Simbulan, produced the film.

The Manila International Film Festival serves as a premier platform celebrating the excellence, diversity, and cultural resonance of Filipino storytelling on the international stage.

This latest triumph adds to an impressive and expanding trophy haul for “58th,” which was previously recognized at the 2026 Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand. Earlier this year, “58th” made its world premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), becoming the first GMA-produced film to be screened at the prestigious festival and was later named one of the festival’s Top 10 Audience Choice Films.

The film was also selected for the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France under the Contrechamp Feature Films category, making history as the first GMA Network film to screen at the world’s most prestigious animation festival. It will screen next at the prestigious 31st Busan International Film Festival this October.

In the Philippines, “58th” premiered at the 2026 Cinemalaya Film Festival last August.

The animated film has been recently shortlisted as a contender for the country’s official submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. (PR)