The premiere of Voice of Hind Rajab at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival moved audiences to tears, earning the festival’s longest applause so far—22 minutes of continuous applause. The screening was marked by emotional chants of “Freedom for Palestine” as the audience honored the story.
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the powerful drama tells the true story of five-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab, killed during the early stages of the Gaza war. The film, featuring performances by Amer Hlehel, Sajaa Kilani, Motaz Malhees, and Clara Khoury, has been one of the festival’s most anticipated works.