The Film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" by Tunisian Director Kaouther Ben Hania Triumphs at the 82nd Venice Film Festival
The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania has won six out of eight awards at the parallel sections of the 82nd Venice Film Festival, including the prestigious Golden Lion, the First Prize of the Italian Red Cross, the UNICEF Cinema Mention, the ARCA Cinema Young Prize, the UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize, and the Diversity Smile Prize.
Inspired by a Real-Life Drama
The film is inspired by a real-life drama that took place in Gaza and recounts the last moments of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a car under Israeli army fire. As she desperately calls for help from the Red Crescent, an ambulance tries to reach her. The cast includes Amer Hlehel, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees, and Saja Kilani.
A Record-Breaking Ovation
The 89-minute film received a record-breaking 24-minute ovation during its premiere on Wednesday in Venice and is now in competition for the Golden Lion. It will also represent Tunisia at the 2026 Oscars and will be screened at numerous international festivals. The national release is scheduled for September 10 in Tunisian theaters.
Unprecedented Support from Hollywood
The film has received unprecedented support from Hollywood and the global film industry, with Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer becoming executive producers. This commitment gives the film a universal scope and a symbolic turning point for the defense of the Palestinian cause in Western cinema.
A Poignant Call for Peace
For Kaouther Ben Hania, already in competition for the Golden Lion, this international recognition gives "The Voice of Hind Rajab" unprecedented visibility. Beyond the awards, the film stands as a poignant call for peace and against genocide in occupied Palestine.
