Gaza Film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Gets Record Ovation At Venice Festival

'The Voice of Hind Rajab', a drama inspired by the real-life tragedy of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, made history at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with a standing ovation lasting nearly 23 minutes — the longest in the festival’s history.

Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film has been described by critics as “the most powerful and urgent entry of this year’s festival.” Its premiere left much of the audience and many journalists in tears, with several attendees waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” after the screening.

The film reconstructs the final, frantic phone call of Hind Rajab, who in January 2024 was trapped in the wreckage of a car in northern Gaza, surrounded by the bodies of her uncles and four young cousins. Hiding beneath a seat and the only one still alive, Hind managed to contact the Palestinian Red Crescent by phone. However, both the child and the medics sent to rescue her were later killed by Israeli forces. The Israeli military has not announced a formal investigation into the case.

Ben Hania said, “When I first heard the voice of Hind Rajab, there was something beyond her words. It was the voice of Gaza itself calling for help – and no one could reach her.” The film makes chilling use of the real phone recordings of Hind but tells the story through a dramatised Red Crescent team trying to coordinate her rescue. Speaking on behalf of the entire filmmaking team, actor Saja Kilani said, “The voice of Hind Rajab does not need our defence. This film is not an opinion or a fantasy. It is anchored in truth.” The film stars Palestinian actors Saja Kilani, Amer Hlehel, and Clara Khoury and is supported by acclaimed executive producers including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Alfonso Cuaron.