Filmmakers of the Gaza film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Appeal for an End to Violence in Venice: "cease the Brutal Slaughter, Hunger, and Inhumane Treatment"

The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," submitted by Tunisia for the best international film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, is making waves in the global film industry. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the hybrid narrative centers on the voices of the Red Crescent workers who tried to save six-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza.

The film is based on the final calls of Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a car on January 29, 2024, after Israeli tank fire killed her relatives. An ambulance sent to reach her was itself destroyed, killing the two medics on board.

Kaouther Ben Hania, a two-time Oscar nominee, obtained the full 70-minute recording through contacting the Red Crescent and Hind's loved ones. The voice of Hind in the film is her own, from the original recording of that day.

The all-Palestinian cast, including Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel, spoke of the emotionally wrenching mood during production. Malhees, who plays a medic in the film, felt as if he were "in reality" when he heard the recordings of Hind's voice during shooting.

Hlehel mentioned that there were times he could not keep filming due to the intensity of the experience, but was supported by the crew. Ben Hania expressed gratitude for this support and the backing of the film's team, which includes Palestinian-Canadian actress Saja Kilani.

Last week, international film figures Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuaron, and Jonathan Glazer boarded as executive producers for the film. Their involvement helped the film gain substantial Hollywood support and contributed to heightened media attention and positive press, including a record-breaking 24-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere.

In a prepared statement read by Kilani, the film's team asked, "Isn't it enough?" regarding mass killing, starvation, dehumanization, destruction, and ongoing occupation in Gaza. The backing of these industry heavyweights is seen as significant by Ben Hania, as it aims to give a voice and a face to those affected in Gaza.

Ben Hania has been recognized globally, with her film "The Man Who Sold His Skin" being the first Tunisian film to be nominated for an Academy Award in 2020. Her recent work, "Four Daughters," won the prize for best documentary at Cannes and was nominated for an Oscar in 2022.

The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is one of the most anticipated movies at this year's Venice Film Festival. Ben Hania was greeted by a lengthy standing ovation, underscoring the impact of this powerful narrative on the international film community.