Venice recognizes 5-year-old Hind Rajab's movie with a prolonged standing applause of spectators.
In the halls of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, a powerful new film premiered, one that has immortalised the memory of a young girl named Hind Rajab. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" has allowed the world to hear Hind's voice, a voice that carries the weight of an entire nation.
The film recounts the final phone call of five-year-old Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child who was tragically killed by Israeli forces in January 2024. After 12 days of lost contact, the bodies of Rajab and several family members were found in their car in Gaza's Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. The emotional reception at the premiere has many considering the film a frontrunner for the Golden Lion.
Residents of Gaza, including Wissam Hamadeh, live in constant fear due to the dire humanitarian situation. Wissam has not left the northern Gaza Strip since the onset of the war and lives in constant fear for the safety of her only surviving son, Ziad. The film shows real voice recordings between Rajab and Red Crescent volunteers, offering a raw and heart-wrenching portrayal of the situation in Gaza.
Wissam Hamadeh, the mother of Hind, expressed her gratitude for the film. She could not watch it due to its emotional difficulty, as it reminded her of her powerlessness to save her daughter. Saja Al-Kilani, the lead actress of The Voice of Rajab, stated that Hind's story carries the weight of an entire nation.
The film has garnered support from Hollywood luminaries, including Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, who joined the project as executive producers. Director Kaouther Ben Hania attended the screening with a group of these prestigious figures. The film will make its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and will screen at the San Sebastián, Busan and London film festivals this fall.
However, the Israeli military has not announced a formal investigation into the case. Wissam describes the grim reality in Gaza, stating that even the idea of a sole survivor has become a nightmare. Families in Gaza now sleep in separate rooms to avoid everyone being killed at once or in a single room so they can die together.
In a world where such tragedies often go unnoticed, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" stands as a testament to the power of art in shining a light on the darkness. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing struggle for peace in the region.
