"At the Venice Film Festival, the movie titled 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' received a 23-minute longstanding ovation"

In the heart of the Venice Film Festival, a historic moment unfolded as the documentary "The Voice of Hind Rajab" premiered to a standing ovation of 23 minutes - a record-breaking reception in the festival's history.

Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, a Franco-Tunisian filmmaker, the film focuses on the tragic story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab, who lost her life in Gaza during the conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023. The narrative revolves around Hind's voice, which is the central element in the film, with the camera focusing within the dispatch centre as Red Crescent dispatchers made frantic efforts to save her and her family.

The film delves into the psychological horror of the situation, capturing the fear and the waiting that gripped Gaza during the war. It steers clear of graphic violence, choosing instead to humanise the victims of the conflict.

Ben Hania, in an emotional interview, shared that upon hearing Hind's voice, she felt it was the voice of Gaza asking for help, and nobody could enter. She believes that cinema, art, and every kind of expression are crucial to give those people a voice and a face.

The story of Hind Rajab is heart-wrenching, and the documentary left the audience in tears. As the film concludes, chants of "Free, Free Palestine" echoed through the theatre, a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict.

Wissam Hamada, Hind's mother, expressed her hope that the film would contribute to ending the war. The film received support from several A-list Hollywood figures, including Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, and Alfonso Cuarón, who joined as executive producers.

Ben Hania emphasised the importance of film in giving a voice to war victims, stating that the narrative around the world is often dehumanising, depicting those dying in Gaza as collateral damage. She hopes that through "The Voice of Hind Rajab", the world will see the humanity in the faces of those affected by the conflict and work towards peace.