‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Stuns Venice With 23-Minute Ovation

The Voice of Hind Rajab shook the Venice Film Festival to its core, drawing a 23-minute standing ovation—the longest at this year’s edition—after its world premiere.

The docufiction, directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, revisits the haunting story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who died after being trapped in a bullet-riddled car with her family in Gaza in January 2024. Using the real audio recordings of Hind’s final phone call to Red Crescent workers, the film weaves documentary truth with dramatized sequences, creating a piercing portrait of innocence caught in war’s crossfire.

Tears, Applause, and a Cry for Justice

As credits rolled, the Sala Grande filled with emotion—viewers in tears, chants of “Free Palestine” rising above the thunderous applause. The response underscored the film’s dual power as both art and urgent testimony. While questions remain about its U.S. release, its impact in Venice has already ignited calls for global recognition.

A Story Beyond Borders

Ben Hania, who worked closely with Hind’s surviving relatives and humanitarian groups, described the film as “a voice for every silenced child in Gaza.” With heavyweight backing from Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Alfonso Cuarón as executive producers, the project is not just cinema—it is a rallying cry. It has already been named Tunisia’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Critics React: Quiet Fury, Human Truth

Critics hailed the film’s restraint and humanity. Vogue praised its “urgent but devastatingly simple storytelling,” while The Guardian called it “a heart-shattering indictment of moral failure.” The fusion of raw reality and artistic subtlety has positioned the film as an early frontrunner for Venice’s coveted Golden Lion.

At a Glance: The Voice of Hind Rajab