'Film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" elicits a 23-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival'
In the autumn of 2023, a devastating conflict erupted in the Gaza Strip, marking the beginning of a long and painful ordeal. Amidst the chaos, a heart-wrenching story emerged, one that would soon captivate the world. This is the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who lost her life during the war.
"The Voice of Hind Rajab," a documentary drama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, brings this tragic tale to light. The film uses original voice recordings made during a call to the Red Crescent Society, providing a raw and emotional portrayal of Hind's final moments.
Wissam Hamada, Hind's mother, expresses her hope that the film will contribute to ending the war and giving a voice to those who have been silenced by conflict. The director, too, emphasizes the importance of film in giving a voice to war victims, stating that the narrative around the world is dehumanizing, portraying those dying in Gaza as mere collateral damage.
The film avoids graphic violence, instead focusing on the psychological horror of the situation. The narrative revolves around Hind Rajab, who was killed in January 2024, and the efforts of the Red Crescent dispatchers who tried to save her. The camera focuses within the dispatch center, with Hind's voice as the central element.
The movie has garnered widespread acclaim. Its premiere at the Venice Film Festival resulted in a historic 23-minute standing ovation, the longest in the festival's history. The audience was left in tears, with chants of "Free, Free Palestine" echoing through the theatre.
Several A-list Hollywood figures have joined the film as executive producers, including Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, and Alfonso Cuarón. Their involvement underscores the global significance of the film and the urgent need for peace in Gaza.
In the end, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is more than just a film; it's a plea for humanity, a testament to the power of cinema, art, and expression in giving a voice and a face to those who have been lost in conflict.
