Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” powerfully portrays the desperate attempts by Palestinian Red Crescent Society workers to save the life of a six-year-old girl caught in the conflict in Gaza. The film, starring Motaz Malhees as one of the dispatchers, utilizes real audio from Hind Rajab’s emergency call alongside a dramatization of events at the Red Crescent’s Ramallah office. It’s gaining international attention for its raw emotional impact and stark depiction of the challenges faced by humanitarian workers.
The Story Behind “The Voice of Hind Rajab”
Ben Hania was moved to action after encountering a clip of Hind’s call on social media in February 2024. Hind’s desperate plea for help, made from inside a car surrounded by deceased family members after an alleged Israeli strike, resonated deeply with the director, known for her films “The Man Who Sold His Skin” and “Four Daughters.” She felt compelled to share this story, hoping to foster empathy and raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.
A Real-Life Tragedy as Inspiration
According to reports, Hind Rajab and her family were attempting to flee Gaza City when their vehicle came under fire in January 2024. While the Israel Defense Forces disputed being near the vehicle at the time of the incident during an April 2024 investigation, Hind was left trapped, communicating with Palestinian Red Crescent dispatchers as she awaited rescue. The film focuses on the dispatchers’ efforts to coordinate a response while navigating the complex realities of the conflict.
The film notably blends documentary and fictional elements. Ben Hania employed actors in Tunisia to portray the Red Crescent workers, recreating the Ramallah office. However, the entirety of Hind Rajab’s authentic emergency call is integrated, played through the actors’ headsets during filming, leading to intensely emotional reactions. Furthermore, real footage captured by a Red Crescent worker during a rescue attempt is shown within the film.
Motaz Malhees, along with Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel, portray the Red Crescent workers, based on extensive interviews conducted by Ben Hania. These conversations highlighted the immense pressure and ethical dilemmas faced by those attempting to provide aid in a war zone.
Humanitarian Challenges in Gaza
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” doesn’t shy away from illustrating the difficulties faced by humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. The film depicts the frustration of the Red Crescent workers as they attempt to secure permission from Israeli authorities to deploy an ambulance. A central element portrays the supervisor, Mahdi M. Aljamal, resigning over the constraints placed on providing aid, illustrating the moral compromises demanded by the situation.
Ben Hania’s research included investigations by news organizations, adding to the film’s contextual accuracy. The filmmaker’s intention was not to recreate the scene of the attack, but to focus on the immediate aftermath and the desperate race against time within the Red Crescent office. This focus provides a unique perspective on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the vital work they perform.
Reception and Impact
The film has garnered significant attention at international film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize. Reactions from audiences have been consistently strong, with reports of profound emotional responses and sustained applause. The film’s focus on a single, tragic event serves as a microcosm of the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Ben Hania has emphasized that her goal is to ensure Hind Rajab’s story is not forgotten. She and her producer, Nadim Cheikhrouha, navigated challenges in securing funding, determined to bring the film to fruition quickly. The immediacy of the situation was a driving factor, reinforcing their belief in the importance of sharing this story now, rather than waiting.
The film explores themes of the psychological impact of conflict and the enduring trauma experienced by individuals and communities affected by violence.
Currently, Ben Hania is presenting “The Voice of Hind Rajab” to policymakers and international organizations, including screenings at the United Nations. While there is no definitive timeline for wider distribution, the film is expected to continue to be shown at festivals and through targeted events in the coming months, with efforts focused on maximizing its reach and impact. The ongoing conflict and evolving situation in Gaza create uncertainty, but Ben Hania remains committed to amplifying Hind Rajab’s voice and advocating for accountability.
