Palestinian feature ‘Thirteen in Gaza’ wins NETPAC Award at Toronto International Film Festival
The Palestinian film “Thirteen in Gaza” (2026), directed by Hosam Abu Dan, won the prestigious NETPAC Award at the close of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). In its official statement, the NETPAC jury praised the feature for transforming suffering beyond spectacle or mere victimhood, crafting captivating imagery that paints a full picture of … The post Palestinian feature…
The Palestinian film "Thirteen in Gaza" (2026), directed by Hosam Abu Dan, emerged victorious at the final of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning the esteemed NETPAC Award. The esteemed jury commended the feature for its capacity to transcend mere spectacle or victimization, instead portraying a vivid depiction of life in Gaza through its striking visuals.
The jury hailed it as a daring and intimate cinematic piece, heralding a promising new voice in filmmaking. Written by Khalil Al-Mozian, "Thirteen in Gaza" offers a profoundly human narrative of a father and his teenage daughter as they grapple with daily survival in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. The film's ensemble cast features Nawaf Abu Amra, Feras Al Masri, Ghassan Salem, and Mary Ziyara.
Sponsored by the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema, the NETPAC Award honors exceptional filmmaking from the Asia and Pacific region. A three-member jury—comprising TIFF and NETPAC officials—convened to bestow the 2026 NETPAC award, chaired by Mara Matta and joined by Richard Fung and Panos Kotzathanasis.
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