Triumphant Premiere in Venice

In a powerful showcase at the Venice Film Festival, Kaouther Ben Hania's Gaza-set drama, *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, received an astonishing 23-minute and 50-second standing ovation during its world premiere. As the lights dimmed, the audience erupted into chants of "free Palestine," highlighting the film's significance.

A Heart-Wrenching Story

This emotionally charged drama reconstructs the tragic events surrounding the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, who were killed while trying to escape Gaza City amidst escalating violence. Their car came under fire from Israeli forces in January 2024, in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, which have led to over 61,000 deaths in the conflict.

Breaking Records and Stirring Emotions

Previously, the record for the longest ovation at the festival was held by Pedro Almodóvar's *The Room Next Door* at 18 minutes. Meanwhile, *Pan's Labyrinth* had set the all-time record at Cannes with 22 minutes of applause. Yet, the extraordinary response to *The Voice of Hind Rajab* left attendees in tears, some unable to contain their emotions even after the credits rolled.

Star-Studded Support

Hollywood luminaries like Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara have joined the film as executive producers, further amplifying its reach. Phoenix and Mara were present at the premiere, where the cast honored Hind Rajab’s memory by holding up her photograph amidst the emotional outpouring.

Oscar Buzz and Powerful Advocacy

Tunisia has already submitted the film for consideration as Best International Feature at the Oscars. At the press conference, actress Saja Kilani delivered a passionate statement urging for an end to the violence and occupation in Gaza, emphasizing the real-life impact of Hind's story on countless children affected by the ongoing conflict.

A Call to Action

Kilani’s poignant words resonated loudly: "This film is not a fantasy; it is steeped in truth. Hind’s voice echoes the cries of thousands of children whose dreams have been stolen before our very eyes." In line with this, large protests have been organized in Venice to support Palestine and condemn the ongoing war.

Critical Acclaim and a Visionary Director

Critics have heralded the film as a potential turning point for the Palestinian cause. Damon Wise from Deadline praised it as "extraordinary," noting its urgent narrative style that captures the heartfelt realities of Gaza. Ben Hania, a celebrated Tunisian director known for her previous Oscar-nominated works, brings a unique perspective to this gripping tale, solidifying her status as a cinematic force.