Oscar-Nominated Director Kaouther Ben Hania Premieres “The Voice of Hind Rajab” at Venice

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania has a new film premiering in competition at the Venice Film Festival. The project is titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” It is based on the true story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped in Gaza.

The film uses the original audio recording of Hind’s final pleas for help. Ben Hania’s work has drawn executive producer support from major Hollywood figures. Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Alfonso Cuarón are among the names attached.

Building a Cinematic Tribute from Tragedy

The incident occurred on January 29, 2024, in Gaza. Israeli tank fire killed Hind Rajab’s relatives, leaving her alone in a car. She called the Palestine Red Crescent Society for help. They stayed on the line with her for over an hour.

An ambulance was dispatched to rescue the child. It was also destroyed, killing two medics inside. The full, harrowing 70-minute recording of the calls became the foundation for the film. Ben Hania obtained it after contacting the Red Crescent and Hind’s family.

According to The Washington Post, independent investigations verified the authenticity of the audio. The director used Palestinian actors to portray the medics who took the calls. However, the voice of Hind heard in the film is her own, taken directly from the original recording.

A Film About Silenced Pleas and Global Complicity

Ben Hania described the project as a huge responsibility. She felt compelled to honor the child’s memory and voice. The film confronts the international silence that met Hind’s desperate calls for rescue.

It also questions the role of media and global witnesses. The director hopes the film can generate empathy often missing from coverage of Gaza. The story is emblematic of the broader tragedy affecting countless Palestinian children.

Tunisia has officially selected the film for the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards. This marks Ben Hania’s second Oscar nomination campaign following “The Man Who Sold His Skin.”

The film forces a confrontation with a painful truth. It highlights the devastating cost of silence in the face of unbearable suffering. “The Voice of Hind Rajab” ensures her plea is not forgotten.

Info at your fingertips

What is “The Voice of Hind Rajab” about?

The film recounts the true story of six-year-old Hind Rajab. She was trapped in a car in Gaza after her family was killed. It uses the original audio of her calls to emergency services for help.

Is the audio in the film real?

Yes. The voice of Hind heard in the movie is from the actual recording. The Palestine Red Crescent Society provided the full audio to the director.

Who is directing the film?

Oscar-nominated Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania is the filmmaker. Her previous work includes “Four Daughters” and “The Man Who Sold His Skin.”

Have any celebrities supported this project?

Yes. Several high-profile figures are executive producers. They include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Alfonso Cuarón.

Is the film based on a verified news story?

Yes. Major news organizations verified the incident. This includes forensic analysis by The Washington Post and Sky News.

Will this be considered for awards?

Yes. Tunisia has selected it as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Post, Sky News, Forensic Architecture, Palestine Red Crescent Society.