Kaouther Ben Hania’s latest film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, has been selected as Tunisia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, according to Variety. The powerful drama will make its world premiere in the competition section at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in the Special Presentations category.
The film is inspired by the true story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was tragically killed in Gaza City in January 2024 during an Israeli military operation by the IDF in cold blood. The narrative centers on the final moments of Hind’s life as she remains trapped inside a car with her family under Israeli fire. Red Crescent volunteers, who received her emergency call, stayed on the line with her in a desperate attempt to keep her calm and alive while coordinating rescue efforts.
The Voice of Hind Rajab blends actual emergency call recordings with scripted dramatizations based on real testimonies and transcripts. The result is a deeply emotional portrayal of a child’s plea for help amid wartime chaos. The film also highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through the lens of a single, heartbreaking story.
Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix have joined the project as executive producers, lending international attention to the film.
Ben Hania, previously nominated for an Academy Award for her documentary Four Daughters in 2024 and for The Man Who Sold His Skin in 2021, directs this latest feature. The film is produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae, and James Wilson under Mime Films and Tanit Films.
CAA Media Finance is handling U.S. sales, while The Party Film Sales oversees international distribution. Territory rights have already been sold across several regions, including Japan, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
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