Directors of Gaza drama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Appeal for Tranquility in Venice: "An End to Widespread Slaughter, Hunger, and Inhumane Treatment"
In the heart of the Venice Film Festival, the filmmakers behind the powerful Gaza-set drama "The Voice of Hind Rajab" have made a passionate plea for peace.
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, a two-time Oscar nominee, this emotionally charged film has been making waves in the industry. Last week, it was announced that Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuaron, and Jonathan Glazer have joined as executive producers for the movie. The film's producer, Marc Butan, alongside these global film figures, is also involved in the project.
"The Voice of Hind Rajab" tells the harrowing story of a six-year-old girl, Hind, who was trapped in a car during the conflict in Gaza. The film is a hybrid narrative, centering on the voices of the Red Crescent workers who tried to save Hind. Tragically, an ambulance sent to reach her was destroyed, killing the two medics on board.
Palestinian actors portray the medics, but the voice of Hind is her own, from the original recording of that day. Hind's voice became one of the most haunting and emblematic testaments of the war in Gaza. Israeli tank fire killed Hind's relatives, and she pleaded for rescue for over an hour.
Ben Hania obtained the full 70-minute recording from the Red Crescent and Hind's loved ones. The all-Palestinian cast of the film spoke about the emotionally wrenching mood throughout production. Motaz Malhees, a co-star in the film, felt as if he were "in reality" when he heard the recordings of Hind's voice during shooting.
Ben Hania believes that the backing of these names will help change the narrative about those dying in Gaza. The film has been submitted by Tunisia for the best international film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
Ben Hania's work, including "The Voice of Hind Rajab", blurs the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction. Her feature debut, "The Challat of Tunis", used documentary techniques to probe a local urban legend. More recently, her satirical drama "The Man Who Sold His Skin" was the first Tunisian film nominated for an Academy Award.
With its powerful narrative and international backing, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is one of the most anticipated movies at this year's Venice Film Festival.
