Alef Multimedia and Revolution Films announce that directors Michael Winterbottom and Mohammed Sawwaf have begun production on their new narrative feature, “Gaza: Year Zero.” Filming started in early February, following the success of their documentary “Eleven Days in May.”

Set in the Gaza Strip amid widespread destruction, the film follows a 13-year-old boy and his family as they struggle to survive. While fictional, the story is grounded in the lived experiences of Al-Sawaf and his team, offering a humane portrait of war’s impact on individuals while exploring the broader social and political realities of life under siege.

Production is taking place on location in Gaza, led by Sawwaf and his crew, with Winterbottom co-directing and editing from London. This hybrid model reflects contemporary global filmmaking. Al-Sawaf notes that limited resources and volatile security conditions continue to pose significant logistical challenges.

Winterbottom, a Golden Bear winner for “In This World” (2003), has a long track record of films addressing displacement and conflict. His previous collaboration with Sawwaf, “Eleven Days in May,” memorialized more than 60 children killed in Gaza during an 11-day bombing campaign.

Production and partners
“Gaza: Year Zero” is a British–Palestinian co-production between Revolution Films, Michael Winterbottom, Ben Pearce, and Alef Multimedia, Mohammed Sawaf, with Melissa Parmenter as executive producer.

Distribution
French distributor Le Pacte has acquired worldwide rights, including distribution in France.