Paris and New York-based impact studio Koudeta Films has acquired French distribution rights to Thirteen in Gaza, the debut fiction feature by Palestinian filmmaker Hosam Abu Dan — the first fiction feature shot in Gaza in 12 years.
Raghad in Thirteen in Gaza (Credits: New Scene for Media Production)
Thirteen in Gaza: First Fiction Film Shot in Gaza in 12 Years
Filmed entirely in the Gaza Strip with a local Palestinian cast and crew under wartime conditions, the film follows Raghad, a 13-year-old girl whose home is destroyed in a bombing that kills members of her family. Set in 2025, it examines the human and social consequences of displacement through everyday experience. Abu Dan directed, edited and produced the film; the screenplay was written by Khalil Al-Muzayyen with contributions from Hussein Al-Dash and Abu Dan.
Doha Film Festival Premiere and NETPAC Award Win
The film had its world premiere in the Centerpiece programme of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the NETPAC Award for emerging talent. It will next make its Middle East and North Africa debut in the International Competition of the Doha Film Festival, which runs November 19-27, alongside fellow Palestinian titles including Muayad Alayan’s Conversation With the Sea.
International sales are handled by MAD World, which closed the French deal ahead of the Doha premiere; Watermelon Pictures manages North American distribution.
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Source: Variety — read the full story there.
