At the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, history was made when The Voice of Hind Rajab premiered to thunderous applause. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film received a 23-minute standing ovation, making it one of the most emotional moments in the festival’s history. Videos of the heartfelt applause are going viral across social media platforms.
Audience Applauds with ‘Free Palestine’ Chants
After the screening, actress Motaz Malhis stood with the Palestinian flag and raised chants of “Free Palestine.” The audience joined in solidarity, rising from their seats and applauding continuously for over 23 minutes. The overwhelming response highlighted how deeply the story touched viewers.
What is The Voice of Hind Rajab About?
The film tells the heart-wrenching story of Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed during Israeli attacks in Gaza. The narrative follows Hind and her family, capturing their tragic final moments amidst the violence. The powerful storytelling sheds light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and gives voice to innocent victims caught in conflict.
Star Cast and Ratings
The Voice of Hind Rajab features Motaz Malhis, Saja Kilani, Amer Hlehel, and Clara Khoury in lead roles. With a runtime of 1 hour 29 minutes, the film has already garnered global acclaim, boasting an IMDb rating of 9.4. The music is composed by Amine Bouhafa, while production credits go to Mime Films and Tanit Films, with Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae, and James Wilson serving as producers.
