GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ animated documentary film “58th” has been selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious animation festival.
During a press conference held in Annecy, France on April 28, 2026, the organizers presented the films in competition under the Contrechamp Feature Films category, which includes “58th.”
This milestone marks a significant achievement for the film, putting “58th” alongside some of the most outstanding animated works from across the globe.
“58th” honors the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, and sheds light on the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, the 58th victim of the massacre.
The selection marks the first time a GMA Network film has been chosen for screening at the said festival. It also underscores the growing presence of Filipino talent on the international stage, as well as the continued evolution of local animation as a powerful medium for storytelling.
“58th” is a documentary that combines animation and archival footage in its storytelling. It is directed by award-winning filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, who will make his third appearance at Annecy following “Iti Mapukpukaw” (The Missing) in 2024 and “Manang Biring” in 2016. The film also holds special significance as the final work of the late Ricky Davao, who portrayed Reynaldo Momay. The cast is led by Glaiza De Castro, with Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez.
Founded in 1960, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival has become the global benchmark for animation over the years. This prestigious event brings together the biggest names in the industry every year, highlighting the creativity and diversity of animation styles and techniques. As of March 2026, it has been officially included among the ‘A-list’ festivals accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), joining a network of 49 festivals across 29 countries on five continents.
This year, the screening line-up includes the world premiere of a new multi-part animated adaptation of “Batman: Knightfall.” Also set to make its debut are the Looney Tunes animated short “Daffy Season,” and two episodes of the new “Ghost in the Shell.”
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival will take place in June 2026 in Annecy, France, where “58th” will be screened as part of the official competition lineup.
Last January, “58th” made its world premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands and was included in the Top 10 of the Audience Choice Awards from over 400 films. Further details on screening schedules at the Annecy will be announced soon. For more news and updates, visit www.GMANetwork.com.
