DUBAI: “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a film inspired by the final moments of a young Palestinian girl trapped under Israeli fire in Gaza, has been nominated for an Oscar in the best international film category.
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film – backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund – tells the story of Hind Rajab Hamada, who was fleeing the Israeli military in Gaza City with six relatives last year when their car came under fire.
The sole survivor of the Israeli attack was then shot and killed. Her desperate calls recorded with the Red Crescent rescue service caused international outrage against Israel.
The movie has several famous names attached as executive producers, including actors Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt, and Oscar-winning directors Jonathan Glazer (“The Zone of Interest”) and Mexico’s Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”).
Following the Oscar nomination announcement, the Red Sea Film Foundation took to Instagram to make a statement, writing: “We’re proud to announce that Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ which was supported by the Red Sea Fund, has been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars.
“The nomination reflects the strength of the creative vision behind the film and the commitment of the team who brought it to life. We’re honored to have supported this work and to see it celebrated among the year’s most distinguished international films.”
The film premiered in September 2025 at the Venice International Film Festival, where it quickly became one of the most talked-about entries. Its first screening was followed by a record-setting 23-minute standing ovation. Days later, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” was awarded the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, the festival’s second-highest honor.
