Film depicting Final Moments of 6-Year-old Killed in Gaza Draws Powerful Reaction at Venice Film festival
VENICE,Italy – “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a deeply affecting film reconstructing the final moments of six-year-old Hind Rajab during the conflict in Gaza,premiered at the Venice Film Festival this week,eliciting emotional responses from audiences and garnering support from prominent Hollywood figures. the film centers on Hind, who was killed in January 2024 during fighting between Hamas militants and Israeli forces in Gaza City.
The film utilizes Hind’s actual phone call with emergency responders as its core, recreating the harrowing scene as she and her family came under fire. Director Kaouther Ben hania described feeling a profound obligation in handling Hind’s voice, stating, “I felt that I had given something sacred, the voice of this girl.” Team members reportedly cried frequently during the film’s realization, and actors delivered performances described as going “beyond acting” in response to hearing Hind’s real voice.
Following its selection for Venice, the film attracted executive producers including Brad pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.Tunisia has submitted “The Voice of Hind rajab” as its candidate for Best International Film at the upcoming Academy Awards. Ben Hania herself is a two-time Oscar nominee, previously recognized for “Les Filles d’Alfa” (“The Four Daughters”) and “the Man Who Sold His Skin.”
The film’s premiere occurred amidst heightened scrutiny at the festival regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with protests and questions raised about affiliations and funding.According to the Gaza ministry of Health, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. While most hostages have been released, 48 remain in Gaza, with roughly 20 believed to be alive.
ben Hania confirmed the Hind Rajab Foundation,a Belgium-based legal group,was not involved in the film’s production. “I don’t want to tell the public what to get out of the movie,” Ben Hania said. “I just want you to see it.”
As of now, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” does not have a North American distributor, but Ben Hania expressed hope for a “worldwide” release.
