UPDATE: A powerful new film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 6, 2025, shedding light on the tragic death of a five-year-old girl during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the docu-drama aims to give a voice to Palestinian victims, capturing the harrowing reality of war through the eyes of its youngest victims.
In its first press screenings, the film left audiences in tears, with many expressing deep emotional responses to the dramatic portrayal of events from January 2024. “We see that the narrative around the world is that those dying in Gaza are collateral damage,” Ben Hania stated. “Cinema is vital for giving these people a voice and face.”
The film recounts the tragic story of Hind Rajab Hamada, who was fleeing an Israeli offensive in Gaza City when her family’s car came under fire. Left as the sole survivor, her desperate cries for help were recorded by the Red Crescent rescue service and later released, sparking international outrage. “Please come to me, please come. I’m scared,” her voice echoes in the film as bullets fly in the background.
The film has garnered significant attention, supported by Hollywood heavyweights including Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix, along with Oscar-winning directors Jonathan Glazer and Alfonso Cuaron, who all serve as executive producers. Ben Hania expressed her gratitude for their support, stating, “I never in my life thought that could be possible.”
Hind Rajab’s mother, Wissam Hamada, shared her hope that the film could help end the conflict. “The whole world has left us to die,” she lamented during a phone call from famine-hit Gaza City, emphasizing the dire situation faced by many families. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 63,633 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, according to reliable figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
The Venice Film Festival has become a focal point for discussions around the Gaza conflict, with thousands of protesters marching outside the event, chanting, “Stop the genocide!” An open letter demanding a denunciation of the Israeli government has garnered around 2,000 signatures from cinema insiders but has gone unacknowledged by festival organizers.
As the film gains traction, Tunisia has announced plans to submit “The Voice of Hind Rajab” for consideration in the foreign film category at the Oscars. This move underscores the film’s potential impact on the global stage, highlighting the urgent need for awareness regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli military, when contacted, stated that the circumstances surrounding Hind Rajab’s death are still under review, without providing further details. This lack of accountability continues to draw criticism amidst a backdrop of escalating violence, with the conflict having claimed the lives of over 1,219 people in Israel following attacks by Hamas.
As the Venice Film Festival unfolds, the pressing issues surrounding the Gaza conflict remain at the forefront of discussions. The emotional resonance of “The Voice of Hind Rajab” serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war, urging audiences worldwide to confront the realities faced by those living in conflict zones.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.
