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 life in Gaza.
The jury described the work as a bold, intimate piece that announces an exceptional new cinematic voice.
Written by Khalil Al-Mozian, “Thirteen in Gaza” paints a deeply human portrait of a father and his teenage daughter navigating daily survival within a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.
The cast includes Nawaf Abu Amra, Feras Al Masri, Ghassan Salem, and Mary Ziyara.
Presented by the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema, the NETPAC Award recognizes outstanding filmmaking from Asia and the Pacific region.
The three-member jury—selected jointly by TIFF and NETPAC—honors the best Asian feature by a first- or second-time director.
The 2026 NETPAC jury was chaired by Mara Matta, alongside fellow jurors Richard Fung and Panos Kotzathanasis.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
