Kaouther Ben Hania's The Voice of Hind Rajab Earns Third Oscar Nomination for Tunisia
Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania has earned her third Oscar nomination with The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film centred on the tragic story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl. The movie, Tunisia's official entry for Best International Film, has already drawn global attention—winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and sparking discussions about its portrayal of the Gaza conflict.
The film blends real audio recordings of Hind Rajab with dramatised scenes of her final days. Ben Hania secured permission from the girl's mother to use the voice recordings, a decision she discussed in a recent video interview. Despite its acclaim, the project faced distribution hurdles due to the sensitive nature of the Gaza war.
At its Venice premiere, the film received a 23-minute standing ovation. It later claimed the festival's Grand Jury Prize, reinforcing its impact. On the BAFTA red carpet, cast members stressed its significance in sharing Palestinian stories with the world.
Ben Hania stands as the most Oscar-nominated Arab female filmmaker to date. Her latest work features high-profile executive producers, including Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara, Jonathan Glazer, and Alfonso Cuarón. While reactions to the film's portrayal of the conflict remain undocumented, its artistic achievements continue to gain recognition.
The Voice of Hind Rajab has cemented its place in awards season with a Silver Lion and an Oscar nomination. The film's use of real recordings and its emotional resonance have set it apart. Its journey from Venice to the Academy Awards highlights both its creative ambition and the challenges of addressing a divisive conflict on screen.
