Koudéta Films has acquired French distribution rights to Hosam Abu Dan's Thirteen in Gaza, Variety reports. International seller Mad World closed the agreement ahead of the film's Middle East premiere at the Doha Film Festival, scheduled for November 19–27.
Another distribution step after Toronto
The film world-premiered in Toronto's Centrepiece programme in September, where it received the NETPAC Award. Watermelon Pictures acquired US distribution there. The French agreement therefore extends an existing festival and sales journey rather than establishing a first screening.
Mad World is Mad Solutions' international sales arm. Koudéta, based in Paris and New York, is developing a French distribution label for political and social films, with Palestine central to its stated mission.
The story and the release still ahead
Shot in Gaza under wartime conditions with a Palestinian crew, the drama follows a 13-year-old girl and her father in a displacement camp. Mary Ziyara and Feras Al Masri play the daughter and father. The synopsis addresses grief, privacy, hardship and moral choices; the father becomes involved with a trader profiting from the wartime economy.
Koudéta's praise for the film reflects the distributor's assessment. Its next step is a planned French theatrical release accompanied by an impact campaign, with the date to follow later.
Koudéta says it wants French audiences to encounter Gaza through the film's attention to everyday life, love and dignity. Its theatrical campaign and the coming Doha presentation extend the film's festival and distribution journey after Toronto.