The Voice of Hind Rajab by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, marked the 82ᵉ edition of the Venice International Film Festival. Presented in official competition, this powerful work won six of the eight prizes awarded in the parallel sections this year – an extremely rare achievement in the history of the Mostra.
The first distinction came with the Leoncino d’Oro (Lioncub Award), presented by a jury of young spectators, highlighting the resonance of the film with new generations. It was followed by the Premio Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross Prize), honoring works that carry a strong humanitarian message. The journey continued with the Premio Arca Cinema Giovani (Arca Young Cinema Prize), also awarded by a jury of young viewers, confirming the film’s echo across a wide and diverse audience.
The universal impact of Kaouther Ben Hania’s storytelling was further recognized with the Segnalazione Cinema for UNICEF (Special UNICEF Mention), which honors films addressing the condition of childhood. The film also received the Premio Sorriso Diverso (Smile of Diversity Award), given to works promoting tolerance, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. Finally, it was honored with the CICT UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Award, which rewards films that contribute to dialogue between cultures and peoples.
Even before its Venice premiere, Tunisia had selected the film to represent the country at the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature category — a strong sign of confidence in its artistic strength and the significance of its message.
Its screening in Venice confirmed these expectations, as The Voice of Hind Rajab received a triumphant ovation lasting 23 minutes and 50 seconds, a moment of overwhelming emotion that established it among the great revelations of this year’s festival.
The big question now is whether the official competition jury will also grant it a prize. Will the decision be based solely on the film’s artistic quality, or will its political subject matter influence the choice? And, whatever the outcome, the same dilemma remains: if awarded, will it be for its subject or its artistry? And if not, will the absence of a prize be for the very same inverted reasons?
Regardless of the final verdict of the competition, The Voice of Hind Rajab has already left an indelible mark on this 82ᵉ Venice Film Festival, both through its artistic power and its international resonance, securing a place for Kaouther Ben Hania in the history of contemporary cinema.
The film will be released in Tunisia on September 10, 2025.
Neïla Driss
