Introduction to a Powerful Film
Hollywood heavyweights, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara, have come on board to support Kaouther Ben Hania’s drama, The Voice of the Hind Rajab, as executive producers. This significant backing is expected to increase the film’s profile before its world premiere in the competition at the Venice Film Festival. The film is also supported by several top-class companies, including British Film4 and the Saudi Arabian state group MBC Studio.
The Film’s Background and Plot
The drama reconstructs the events surrounding the murder of six-year-old Hind Rajab in January 2024. Rajab, who was traveling with her four cousins, aunt, and uncle by car, was killed by the Israeli military when they attempted to flee from Gaza. The film is based on voice recordings between Hind Rajab and Red Crescent volunteers who tried to keep them on the line and do everything possible to bring an ambulance. Israel claimed that there were no troops in the area where Hind and her family were killed, but independent investigations using satellite images, conducted by the Washington Post and Sky News, concluded that Israeli tanks were present at the time.
Investigations and Findings
Further research by the London-based Forensic Architecture group, published in conjunction with Al Jazeera, mapped 335 bullet holes in the exterior of the car. These findings contradict Israel’s claims and provide evidence of the military’s presence in the area. The film aims to shed light on this tragic event and the subsequent investigation, which has sparked international condemnation.
The Filmmaker’s Background
The Voice of the Hind Rajab is Ben Hania’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated film, Four Daughters, which combined documentary and fictional methods. Her previous film, The Man Who Sold His Skin, was also a best international feature candidate. Ben Hania’s unique approach to storytelling and her ability to tackle sensitive topics have earned her recognition in the film industry.
Production and Cast
The film was produced by Nadim Cheikhrou under his MIMI Films and Tanit Films banner, along with Odessa Rae in the New York Raefilm Studios and James Wilson at the JW Films Production based in London. The cast includes Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel. The party film sales have concluded international sales for the film, with sales offers in large parts of Europe. CAA Media Finance represents the film for North America.
The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The murder of Hind Rajab and her family took place about three months after the ongoing military operation of Israel in the Gaza Strip, which was triggered by terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. At least 61,000 people living in the Gaza Strip have died in the subsequent military campaign, which officially aims to wipe out Hamas and restore hostages. The persistent war and the spiraling humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip are now the focus of the Venice Film Festival.
International Response and Protests
On Monday, Israeli armed forces bombed the main hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least 20 people, including rescuers, health workers, and at least five journalists. This incident has triggered international condemnation. Hundreds of local political and basic groups have announced plans to protest against the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank on August 30th in Santa Maria Elisabetta Avenue on the Lido. Hundreds of Italian and international artists, including Ken Loach, the Italian actor Toni Servillo, the French directors Celine Sciamma and Audrey Diwan, as well as the Palestinian director-duo Arab Nasser and Tarzan Nasser, have signed an open letter condemning what they describe as genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip.
