Cinema devoid of moral judgment prevails in Venice: Jarmusch triumphs
In the heart of Venice, the 78th Film Festival has come to a close, leaving a trail of thought-provoking films and heated discussions. Two standout productions, "Father Mother Sister Brother" directed by Jim Jarmusch and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" by Kaouther Ben Hania, have captured the attention of audiences and festival judges alike.
Jim Jarmusch, known for his anthology film about family dynamics, made a powerful statement during the award ceremony. Wearing an "Enough" pin, he referred to the ongoing Gaza conflict, echoing sentiments shared by several filmmakers throughout the festival. The Golden Lion was awarded to "Father Mother Sister Brother," a film that moved the jury president, Alexander Payne, to tears. Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, and Vicky Krieps are among the stars gracing the screen in this poignant production.
Meanwhile, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," a partly documentary, partly fictional film about a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, has been recognised as a favourite for the Golden Lion. The film suggests that Hind Rajab and parts of her family were killed by Israeli forces, a claim denied by Israel's military. The real audio recording of Hind Rajab in the film includes her desperate pleas for help and gunshots, leaving a profound impact on viewers. Many were emotionally affected, with some crying and others standing and waving Palestinian flags.
Kaouther Ben Hania, the director of "The Voice of Hind Rajab," demanded an end to the Gaza conflict during her speech and accused the Israeli government of committing genocide. This assertion, along with the film's content, has raised questions about its broadcast in Israel, but as of September 2025, there is no specific information about controversy regarding its screening.
Benny Safdie, the director of "The Smashing Machine," also made headlines, winning the directing prize and emphasising the importance of empathy. Jarmusch, in his acceptance speech, emphasised the power of art to create a sense of connection between people and be the first step towards solving problems. He expressed a desire for his film to be shown in Israel, but not if it involves funding from the Israeli government.
Both Israel and the German government have rejected the genocide accusation, adding fuel to the debate that these powerful films have sparked. Indya Moore from "Father Mother Sister Brother" stated that there are no heroes or anti-heroes in Jarmusch's stories, only people. This sentiment resonates with the raw, human portrayals found in both "Father Mother Sister Brother" and "The Voice of Hind Rajab," making them unforgettable additions to this year's Venice Film Festival.
