The Palestinian film "Thirteen in Gaza" directed by Hussam Abu Dan has won the NETPAC award for best Asian film by an emerging director at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film's win was announced on September 20, 2026, as part of the festival's activities. "Thirteen in Gaza" tells the story of Raghad, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl living in Gaza with her father, and her experiences during the war.
The film focuses on Raghad's daily life and emotions as she navigates adolescence amidst the exceptional circumstances of war. Through her character, the film explores the feelings of a young girl trying to understand what she is going through and searching for a safe space to express her fears, questions, and human needs. The film also highlights Raghad's relationship with her father and her need for care and support during a stage of significant change.
"Thirteen in Gaza" deviates from depicting direct war scenes, instead concentrating on the daily details and human emotions of a young girl trying to cope with her reality. The film aims to present a personal and human perspective on life in Gaza, one of many human stories experienced by the sector's residents. Director Hussam Abu Dan expressed his pride in the film's story reaching the audience, saying that they are proud to have shared one human story from Gaza with the world.
The film's win marks a notable presence for Hussam Abu Dan among the Asian films participating in the festival. The NETPAC award is given to the best Asian film by an emerging director, and "Thirteen in Gaza" is the first Palestinian film to receive this award. The film's participation in the Toronto International Film Festival included its first screening in front of the festival audience.
The story of "Thirteen in Gaza" revolves around Raghad's experiences and emotions as she faces the challenges of adolescence in a war-torn area. The film provides a glimpse into the daily life of a young girl in Gaza, highlighting her needs, fears, and questions. By focusing on Raghad's story, the film aims to present a human and personal perspective on the lives of Gaza's residents.
The Toronto International Film Festival is a prominent platform for showcasing emerging talent in the film industry. The NETPAC award is a significant recognition of Asian films by emerging directors. "Thirteen in Gaza" is a remarkable achievement for Palestinian cinema, and its win is expected to generate more interest in Palestinian films and stories.
The film's director, Hussam Abu Dan, has expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that the film's story has reached a global audience. The film's win is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing human experiences from around the world. "Thirteen in Gaza" will continue to be showcased at various film festivals, providing a platform for its story to reach a broader audience.
Key points
- Palestinian film "Thirteen in Gaza" wins NETPAC award for best Asian film by an emerging director at Toronto International Film Festival.
- The film tells the story of a 13-year-old Palestinian girl living in Gaza and her experiences during the war.
- The film's win marks a notable presence for Palestinian cinema at the Toronto International Film Festival.
