‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ receives 23-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

SHAH ALAM — Kaouther Ben Hania’s 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' made history at the Venice Film Festival, earning a record-breaking 23-minute standing ovation, the longest ever recorded at the festival.

The audience, many in tears, chanted "Free Palestine" and waved Palestinian flags as the credits rolled.

The docu-drama recounts the final moments of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rami Iyad Rajab, who in January 2024 made desperate calls for help while trapped in a car before being killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Her aunt, uncle and three cousins were killed instantly, while two Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics sent to save her were also later found dead. 

From left: (From L) Israelian actor Amer Hlehel, Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, actress Saja Kilani, actor Motaz Malhees, actress Clara Khoury pose with a portrait of late Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, during the red carpet for the movie "The Voice of Hind Rajab" presented in competition at the 82nd International Venice Film Festival. - Photo by AFP

Using original dispatch recordings, Ben Hania sets much of the film within the Palestinian Red Crescent control room, capturing the medics’ frantic, but ultimately hopeless, efforts to reach the terrified child.

Hind’s trembling voice, pleading, "Please come to me, please come. I’m scared" echoed through the film, moving audiences to tears.

Backed by Hollywood figures including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer, the film has been named a frontrunner for the Golden Lion and is Tunisia’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards.

For Hind’s mother, Wissam Hamada, who still lives in Gaza with her surviving son, the film carried a plea beyond cinema.