Movie Leaves Venice Astonished with a Historic 24-Minute Standing Ovation
In the heart of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, the powerful war drama, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, emerged as the standout entry. This poignant film, based on the tragic death of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab during the war on Gaza, left audiences in awe and moved by its raw emotion.
Director Kaouther Ben Hania shared her inspiration for the film, stating that it was the voice of Gaza itself calling for help. The film reconstructs Hind's final hours, as she pleaded for rescue by phone from the wreckage of a shelled car in Gaza City in January 2024.
Hollywood heavyweights, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Jonathan Glazer, Alfonso Cuarón, and James Wilson, joined the project as executive producers for the Venice debut of "The Voice of Hind Rajab." Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara walked the red carpet with the cast, holding a photograph of Hind, adding a poignant touch to the event.
Joaquin Phoenix also made a statement by wearing an "Artists for Ceasefire" pin during the festival, showing his support for peace in the region. The world premiere of the film was followed by nearly 24 minutes of sustained applause, surpassing previous festival records.
The film premiered in the festival's Sala Grande, with an ovation punctuated by chants of "Free Palestine" and waves of Palestinian flags. Actor Motaz Malhees, who plays a central role in the film, raised a flag handed from the audience, drawing thunderous cheers.
During a press conference, actress Saja Kilani delivered a statement on behalf of the filmmaking team, emphasizing the significance of Hind's story. For Hind's mother, Wissam Hamada, the hope is that the film will spur global action to end the conflict in Gaza.
Tunisia has selected "The Voice of Hind Rajab" as its official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. Media investigations later concluded that Israeli tank fire was responsible for Hind's death.
Among the personalities who supported “The Voice of Hind Rajab” as executive producers alongside Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix before the film’s Venice debut were Jonathan Glazer, Alfonso Cuarón, and Rooney Mara, with additional production support from Jemima Khan, Sabine Getty, Frank Giustra, as well as Film4, Saudi Arabia’s MBC, and Lionsgate Entertainment.
As the film continues its journey, it serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for peace in the region.
