The film The Voice of Hind Rajab, set in Palestine, earned the longest standing ovation ever recorded at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The premiere took place on September 3 in Venice, Italy, with Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attending as executive producers alongside the filmmakers. This event highlighted the power of cinema to bring attention to tragic real-life events.
The Story Behind the Film and Its Impact
The movie recounts the heartbreaking true story of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who died trapped inside a car during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania shared her motivation for making the film, having been profoundly moved by audio recordings related to Hind’s final moments.
I heard an audio recording of Hind Rajab begging for help. By then, her voice had already spread across the internet,
she said.
I contacted the Red Crescent and asked them to let me hear the full audio. It was about 70 minutes long, and harrowing. After listening to it, I knew, without a doubt, that I had to drop everything else. I had to make this film. I spoke at length with Hind’s mother, with the real people who were on the other end of that call, those who tried to help her.
—Kaouther Ben Hania, Filmmaker
Response from the Audience and Festival Atmosphere
According to Variety, the film’s screening was met with a standing ovation lasting 22 minutes, the longest of any film so far at the festival. During the applause, audience members chanted “Free Palestine,” and several raised Palestinian flags in a show of solidarity. Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara appeared on the red carpet wearing Givenchy, drawing attention as both stars and producers.
Significance and Future Implications
The overwhelming reaction to The Voice of Hind Rajab at the Venice Film Festival marks a significant moment for filmmakers addressing conflicts in the Middle East. Joaquin Phoenix’s involvement helped bring broader awareness to the film, and the record ovation reflects both the artistic achievement and the urgent human story behind the project. This attention could encourage further dialogue and support for similar stories in future festivals and audiences worldwide.
