"The Voice of Hind Rajab," a new docudrama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, delves into the tragic events surrounding six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab. The film recounts her harrowing experience of being found trapped in a vehicle in Gaza City in January 2024. It uniquely combines actual audio recordings from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) with dramatized visuals, portraying the valiant efforts of humanitarian workers to rescue her. The real-life incident culminated in the deaths of Hind, her family members, and the paramedics dispatched to their location.
The Incident Involving Hind Rajab
On January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab and six family members, including her aunt, uncle, and three cousins, were evacuating the Tel al-Hawa suburb of Gaza City when their vehicle was reportedly struck by suspected Israeli fire.
Hind's 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamadeh, managed to contact the PRCS for assistance, reporting intense gunfire and approaching tanks. During the distressing call, Layan was heard yelling amidst the sound of gunfire. When PRCS workers managed to re-establish contact, Hind, then six years old, indicated she was the sole survivor in the vehicle.
After hours of communication with the trapped child, and following reported negotiations, the PRCS dispatched an ambulance. However, contact with both Hind and the two medics in the ambulance was tragically lost as their vehicle neared the reported location. Twelve days later, the bodies of Hind, her six family members, and the two medics were discovered. Footage from Al Jazeera reportedly showed a burnt-out ambulance near the family's bullet-riddled vehicle.
The real-life incident resulted in the deaths of Hind, her family members, and the paramedics dispatched to their location, a tragic outcome that resonates through the docudrama.
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) initially stated its troops were not in the area at the time of the incident. However, independent investigations conducted by Forensic Architecture, Earshot, and Al Jazeera indicated damage consistent with Israeli tank fire. The IDF later acknowledged conducting operations in Gaza City neighborhoods, including Tel al Hawa, where Hind's call originated.
The IDF spokesperson informed the BBC that the case is currently under review by Israel's Fact-Finding Assessment Mechanism (FFAM). The United Nations has referenced Hind's case in an inquiry accusing Israel of war crimes, a claim Israel denies. A September 2025 United Nations report referenced the killing, stating Israeli forces had knowledge of civilians in evacuation routes yet targeted them.
Production of "The Voice of Hind Rajab"
Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania revealed her profound motivation for creating the docudrama was prompted by hearing the emergency phone call recording of Hind Rajab. Ben Hania described her intention as a powerful way to address feelings of helplessness, bear witness to the events, and make Hind's voice resonate internationally.
The film, described as "based on true events," masterfully incorporates genuine audio of Hind's final phone calls with the Red Crescent, along with 70 minutes of actual PRCS recordings. These authentic audio elements are combined with meticulously dramatized visuals, featuring actors portraying the dedicated volunteers. The narrative recounts Hind and her family's story primarily from the perspective of the Red Crescent volunteers in Ramallah, striving for realism in depicting the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Ben Hania obtained permission from Hind's mother, Wesam Hamada, for the poignant project.
Ben Hania emphasized that her film is not an investigation but rather "builds on existing findings from media outlets," focusing on respecting the volunteers' testimonies.
The cast, composed entirely of Palestinian origin actors, includes Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees (as Omar), and Amer Hlehel (as Mahdi), who portray the call center workers diligently attempting to secure a safe rescue route.
Reception and Recognition
"The Voice of Hind Rajab" premiered to significant acclaim at the Venice Film Festival in September. The film notably received a 23-minute standing ovation and was honored with the Grand Jury Prize. Further demonstrating its impact, it has been nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Foreign Language Film category and has been shortlisted for Best International Feature for the upcoming Oscar nominations. The film has also been released in Australian cinemas.
Executive producers for the compelling film include high-profile names such as Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara.
Critical reception has largely acknowledged the film's profound emotional impact. While some critics have noted ethical questions regarding the blending of documentary and drama, others have praised the film for addressing a relevant contemporary issue and transcending mere shock value to present a complex "ethical dilemma."