Hollywood A-listers Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Jonathan Glazer, and Alfonso Cuarón have joined as executive producers of The Voice of Hind Rajab. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the Gaza-set drama is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2025.
The film tells the harrowing story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, whose desperate calls for help in January 2024 were recorded as she remained trapped in a car struck by Israeli fire. Despite her pleas, she was never rescued and was later found dead.
A Story That Shook the World
The drama reconstructs Hind’s final hours using real audio recordings of her calls to Red Crescent volunteers. Israeli forces denied operating in the area during the incident, but multiple independent investigations contradicted those claims. Satellite imagery and field research confirmed the presence of Israeli tanks, while forensic mapping identified over 300 bullet holes in the family’s vehicle.
Director Kaouther Ben Hania, previously recognized for her Oscar-nominated Four Daughters and The Man Who Sold His Skin, described her motivation for the project. She stated that cinema has the power to preserve memory and resist erasure, ensuring Hind’s voice continues to be heard.
Hollywood and Global Support
The project has attracted significant international backing. Alongside Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, producers include Nadim Cheikhrouha of Mime and Tanit Films, Odessa Rae of RaeFilm Studios, and James Wilson of JW Films.
The cast features Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel, bringing the real-life story to global audiences through a blend of powerful performances and sensitive direction.
Distribution rights have already been secured in multiple European territories by The Party Film Sales, while North American representation is being handled by CAA Media Finance.
A Festival Dominated by Reality
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, traditionally a showcase of Hollywood glamour, is this year dominated by the reality of war and occupation. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place at the Lido, demanding global attention to the crisis in Gaza.
Festival director Alberto Barbera noted that this year’s selection reflects a return to pressing global realities, with filmmakers tackling themes of war, repression, and human rights violations. The Voice of Hind Rajab has emerged as one of the most anticipated titles, symbolizing cinema’s role in amplifying silenced voices.
Hollywood Voices of Solidarity
The film’s release also comes amid growing activism within the entertainment industry. Over 700 actors and artists have previously signed letters demanding their unions speak out against Israeli aggression in Gaza. Well-known figures such as Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Riz Ahmed, and Cynthia Nixon have faced backlash for voicing support for Palestinians.
In response, some Israeli soldiers mocked celebrities by writing their names on artillery shells, including those of Mark Ruffalo and Billie Eilish. This act further highlighted the ongoing tension between cultural advocacy and political conflict.
Preserving Memory Through Cinema
The Voice of Hind Rajab is more than just a film. It is a cinematic tribute to a child whose story became emblematic of Gaza’s suffering. By avoiding graphic imagery and instead focusing on silence, waiting, and fear, Ben Hania emphasizes the emotional weight of inaction in times of crisis.
The film has already generated significant momentum ahead of its Venice premiere, signaling its potential to resonate both with audiences and critics worldwide. Its powerful narrative, supported by Hollywood’s most prominent names, positions it as one of the defining films of 2025.
