Film triumph at Venice: Jarmusch's subdued cinema overpasses moral critique - Cinema without moral judgment triumphs at Venice: Jarmusch secures victory
In a moving turn of events at the recent Venice Film Festival, two films, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" and "Father Mother Sister Brother," left a profound impact on the jury and audiences alike.
Kaouther Ben Hania's docudrama, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," is a partly documentary, partly fictional film that tells the heart-wrenching story of a Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab. The film, which won the Golden Lion, follows Hind's last moments as she fled her family from the city of Gaza in January 2024. The film's central element is an alleged real audio recording of Hind pleading for help for about three hours while trapped in a shot-up car between dead family members.
The film's ending featured the longest standing ovations of the Venice Film Festival. However, it has faced criticism from some viewers who accuse it of emotional manipulation. Despite this, the film has been critically acclaimed for its respectful and powerful portrayal of Hind's last moments, blending real audio with reenactments and highlighting heroism amid tragedy. It has been positively received beyond initial criticism, recognised in open discourse for its emotional impact and filmic value. This is evidenced by its screening at TIFF 2025 and winning the Grand Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
During the award ceremony, Kaouther Ben Hania, the film's director, accused the Israeli government of committing genocide. This accusation has been denied by both Israel and the German government. It is worth noting that the film does not address the Hamas and other terrorists' massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the Gaza war.
Meanwhile, Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother" also made a strong impression at the festival. The episodic film, which features actors such as Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, and Vicky Krieps, explores complex family dynamics and the silence that often prevails. Indya Moore from "Father Mother Sister Brother" stated that Jarmusch's stories do not feature heroes or anti-heroes, only people. During the award ceremony, Jarmusch wore a pin that read "Enough," referring to the Gaza war.
Jarmusch expressed a desire for his film not to be shown in Israel if Israeli government money was involved. Several filmmakers, including Indya Moore, made similar statements during the Venice Film Festival. Jarmusch believes that art can create a sense of connection and is the first step towards solving problems.
The main prize at the Venice Film Festival was won by "Father Mother Sister Brother," but it was "The Voice of Hind Rajab" that left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Both films serve as a poignant reminder of the power of art to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and shed light on pressing global issues.
