An exceptional 23-minute standing ovation for the film “The Voice of Hind Ragab” in Venice

The Venice Film Festival witnessed an exceptional moment with the screening of "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which received a standing ovation lasting more than 23 minutes, an unprecedented number at the festival. The scene was deeply moving for the filmmakers, who could not hold back their tears at the overwhelming acclaim for their work, which brought a painful humanitarian issue from the heart of Gaza to a prestigious international screen.

Prominent presence and public solidarity

The atmosphere was filled with excitement when the film's star, Moataz Malhis, raised the Palestinian flag to a standing ovation from the audience, as chants of "Long Live Palestine" erupted inside the hall. He also held up a picture of Hind Rajab, the little girl who lost her life to Israeli soldiers, in a moment that carried powerful symbolism. The presence of international stars Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara added to the event's significance, expressing their support for the cause by joining in the standing ovation for the film and its makers.

The film's content and messages

The film explores the final hours of Hind Rajab's life, based on audio recordings of her call to Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics—a call that has become a symbol of the human suffering in Gaza. The film, which is competing for the Golden Lion, reveals tragic details that show how a child's innocence was transformed into a painful testimony to the violence endured by civilians. The film becomes an artistic and humanitarian document that carries a universal message of injustice and resistance.

Director's words and cinema's message

At a press conference preceding the screening, Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania emphasized that her goal with the film was to give voice and visibility to the victims, whose presence is often reduced to numbers and reports. She added that Hind's voice was not just a cry for help, but "the voice of all of Gaza crying out for help," noting that cinema can open windows onto untold truths and transform an individual tragedy into a global humanitarian cause.