The animated documentary “58th,” directed by Carl Joseph Papa, is bringing the story of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre to audiences across four countries and through a nationwide campus tour from November to December.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film centers on Ma. Reynafe Momay-Castillo’s ongoing search for justice for her father, photojournalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay.
He was among the 58 victims—including 32 journalists and media workers—killed during an election-related convoy in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009. Momay’s remains have never been recovered.
International Screenings
The documentary’s global run begins at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on November 14.
Additional international stops include:
- Canada: A special screening on November 27 at the UBC Robson Theatre in Vancouver, hosted by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia.
- Taiwan: Screenings in Taipei (November 23 and 28), Kaohsiung (November 27), and Taoyuan (November 29), followed by a theatrical release on December 4.
- Indonesia: Screenings on December 3 and 4 at the Empire XXI Cinema in Yogyakarta as part of the Asian Perspective Feature Programme of the 21st Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival.
Nationwide Campus Tour
Locally, the film is visiting schools across the Philippines to engage students with the history of the massacre and the pursuit of accountability.
The tour schedule includes:
- November 11: I-Academy and University of the Philippines Los Baños
- November 13: Ateneo de Naga University
- November 18: Bulacan State University
- November 19: UP Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University
- November 20: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
- November 23: UP Mindanao and Ateneo de Davao University
- November 28: University of Santo Tomas
- December 7: FAITH Colleges
- December 9: UP Film Institute
”58th” is currently under consideration for the Best Documentary Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards. Its previous accolades include recognition at the Manila International Film Festival and New Zealand’s Doc Edge Festival, alongside screenings at the Busan International Film Festival, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and various cities in the United States.