Watermelon Pictures has secured North American rights for 'Thirteen in Gaza,' directed by Hosam Abu Dan, which premiered at TIFF.
Watermelon Pictures announced it has acquired all North American rights for the film Thirteen in Gaza, directed by Palestinian filmmaker Hosam Abu Dan. The announcement follows the film's premiere in the Centerpiece section at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Thirteen in Gaza is a coming-of-age drama that centers on Raghad, a 13-year-old girl played by Mary Ziyara. Raghad faces grim realities of life in a displacement camp after losing her home and much of her family in a bombing. The film poignantly explores her journey into adolescence while her father, portrayed by Feras Al Masri, grapples with daunting choices to ensure their survival in an increasingly hostile environment.
This film marks a significant milestone as it is the first narrative feature shot in the Gaza Strip in 12 years and the first to be produced there since the onset of conflict in 2023. Notably, the entire production team was Palestinian, and the film was made under challenging conditions, reportedly having endured an Israeli airstrike. The film is distinguished by being completed using just two memory cards, displaying the resourcefulness and determination of its crew.
Munir Atalla, Head of Production and Acquisitions for Watermelon Pictures, expressed admiration for Thirteen in Gaza, stating it is "an extraordinary film about childhood, family, and the human need to keep living even when ordinary life has been taken away." The acquisition was negotiated by Atalla and Executive Producer Hanna Atallah, who represents the film team.
Watermelon Pictures focuses on distributing and promoting Palestinian and Arab cinema, and acquiring Thirteen in Gaza aligns with their mission to bring underrepresented voices to a broader audience. The distributor plans to announce its release strategy for the film in the coming months, which will be eagerly anticipated given the film’s poignant narrative and cultural significance.
The acquisition of Thirteen in Gaza signifies an important step in showcasing Palestinian stories and perspectives to North American audiences. This film not only highlights the everyday struggles and resilience of individuals living under conflict but also reinforces the importance of narrative diversity in cinema. As Watermelon Pictures prepares to release details about its distribution plans, the film’s positive reception at TIFF suggests it could resonate strongly with viewers, making an impact within the landscape of independent films focused on global conflicts.
As conversations surrounding films that depict real-life struggles continue, Thirteen in Gaza stands to ignite discussions about the humanitarian experiences in war-torn regions.
For more updates on similar films, check out our stories on MACRO Acquires ALLBLK Streaming Service and Unauthorized Book on Bob Iger’s Disney Power Struggle Gets Release Date.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
