Glaiza De Castro marks '58th's' Philippine premiere at Cinemalaya: 'I've been waiting for this moment'

After making a mark in various film festivals abroad, "58th" is finally premiering before Filipino audiences at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, a moment that Glaiza De Castro has been looking forward to.

In an interview with Nelson Canlas during the film's Philippine premiere on Thursday evening, the Kapuso actress shared that it's a different feeling that the film is finally being screened in the country.

“It’s different when it’s shown here in the Philippines. The impact is different, and I’m very excited for our fellow Filipinos, our Kapuso viewers, to watch it. I’ve actually been waiting for this moment," she said in Filipino.

According to Glaiza, she is proud that the animated documentary has been screened abroad, as it is one of the nation's stories that should never be forgotten.

"I know it's not a light story, but it’s one of those stories that we shouldn’t forget. I’m proud to have been part of it and to be able to share with the new generation what happened.”

"58th," an animated documentary by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, follows the story of Reynafe Castillo (Glaiza) as she continues her years-long fight for answers and her father's recognition as the 58th victim of the Maguindanao massacre. Her story also reflects the grief of the victims' families and their pursuit of justice following the tragedy.

The Maguindanao massacre happened on November 23, 2009, in the town of Ampatuan. It is considered the deadliest single attack on journalists in world history. The massacre resulted in the death of 58 individuals, 32 of whom were journalists

Glaiza also shared that she got to meet Reynafe for the first time and that they had lunch earlier today.

“It's been many years since it happened, but when I was talking to her, the memories still felt so fresh. It’s not something you can just forget, so it's a little sad, but I’m also happy that she’s doing well now," she said.

"She’s in a better place and position in life, and her children are also doing well. It’s just inspiring to see how courageous she is."

She likewise expressed her admiration for Reynafe's courage and resilience despite everything that happened to her.

“I told her, ‘You came here all by yourself. You’re so brave.’ She said, ‘I’ve used up all my fears in life.’ As a woman, I find that inspiring. Despite everything she has gone through, despite the trauma her family experienced, she’s still here fighting."

Directed by Carl John Papa, "58th" previously won at the 2026 edition of Doc Edge Festival, New Zealand’s premier documentary festival and an Academy Awards-qualifying event.

'Amir'

During her interview, Glaiza also talked about her upcoming film, "Amir," which is GMA Pictures' entry to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival happening in December.

Per the actress, "Amir" tells another story of Mindanao, but with a lighter theme.

“It’s lighter because it’s told from Amir’s perspective so children can watch it and there’s also fantasy involved.”

She added that they are almost done shooting "Amir," which is once again helmed by Direk Zig Dulay alongside writers Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza. The trio was behind the back-to-back MMFF Best Picture trophies of "Green Bones" and "Firefly."

“'Amir' is almost finished. I told Direk Zig, ‘You submit early,’ but that’s how they are. I think Direk Zig and GMA Pictures, when it comes to projects for the Metro Manila Film Festival, they’re not complacent," said Glaiza.

"They give the project enough time to ripen and, of course, there’s still editing, so it feels great to be part of 'Amir' and I’m just so excited for everyone to see it," she added.

Aside from Glaiza, "Amir" also stars Dennis Trillo, Argus Aspiras, and Will Ashley.

The film is a collaboration between GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment, the production company owned by Dennis and his wife Jennylyn Mercado. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News