The Voice of Hind Rajab by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania continues its exceptional journey at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it has just won one of the festival’s most prestigious Official Palm Trophies: the Silver Lion, the second most important award in Venice.
This new consecration, following the six parallel distinctions the film had already received, confirms both the artistic strength and the emotional impact of this work, which has established itself as one of the defining moments of the 2025 Mostra.
During the closing ceremony, Kaouther Ben Hania took the stage to receive her prize. In a simple and moving speech, she dedicated the award to the Palestinian Red Crescent, reminding the audience that Hind Rajab was just one child among thousands of victims of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She emphasized the need for their voices to be heard worldwide and urged the international community to act in order to put an end to this tragedy.
Through these words, the filmmaker evoked in Venice not only the memory of Hind Rajab but also that of all the children of Gaza, turning her artistic triumph into a gesture of testimony and resistance. The moment also highlighted the importance of cinema, not only as an art form but also as a medium capable of carrying silenced voices and shedding light on humanitarian causes too often neglected.
Now, all eyes are on the future of the film. We are all hoping for a brilliant international career, and above all for the 2026 Oscars, where The Voice of Hind Rajab has been officially selected to represent Tunisia in the Best International Film category.
While awaiting this decisive milestone, Tunisian audiences will be able to discover the film starting September 10, when it is released in theaters across the country, and share the emotion that has already moved Venice and stirred international critics.
Neïla Driss
