Following its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026 in France on June 22, the animated documentary 58th, produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, is set to make its Asia-Pacific premiere at Doc Edge Festival 2026 in New Zealand on June 29.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, 58th tells the story of the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, regarded as the deadliest single attack on journalists in Philippine history.
The animated documentary centers on Reynaldo Momay, the photojournalist widely recognized as the massacre’s 58th victim, whose remains have never been found. Through animation, the film explores his story while honoring the lives lost in one of the country’s darkest chapters for press freedom.
The film features voice performances from Glaiza de Castro, Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, Biboy Ramirez, and the late Ricky Davao, who lends his voice to Reynaldo Momay.
Director Carl Joseph Papa personally traveled to France for the film’s screening at Annecy, where 58th competed under the prestigious Contrechamp Feature Films section, which showcases innovative and distinctive animated feature films from around the world.
For the New Zealand screenings, GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President and GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon will represent the production in Auckland, where she is also scheduled to participate in a special question-and-answer session with festival audiences.
The film’s selection for two internationally recognized festivals marks another milestone for Philippine animation and documentary filmmaking.
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious events dedicated to animation, while Doc Edge Festival serves as New Zealand’s premier documentary festival and is recognized as an Academy Awards-qualifying event.
