The press conference this morning in Venice for Hind Hajab’s voiceKaouther Ben Hania’s latest film was a dark business.
Ben Hania and her casting entered the conference room, and they were welcomed with a one -minute standing ovation, after which Saja actress Kilani took the microphone and delivered a passionate speech in the name of the film’s crew.
“Enough murder of mass, famine, dehumanization, destruction and the occupation in progress,” said Kilani.
“This film is not an opinion or a fantasy. It is anchored in the truth. The story of Hind brings the weight of an entire people. His voice is one between the 10 years of children who have been killed in Gaza in the past two years. It is the voice of each girl and each son with the right to live, to dream, to exist in dignity. However, all that he was stolen from the unlisted eyes.”
Kilani added: “Hind’s story concerns a child who is shouting. And the real question is, how did we leave a child begging for life?
Hind Hajab’s voice,, What is screen this evening in Venice, tells the story of a young Palestinian, Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year with six of her family members. Rajab and his family fled the city of Gaza when their vehicle was bombed, killing his uncle, aunt and three cousins.
Rajab and another cousin first survived and contacted Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRC) by phone of the car to request the help. The car was then found with Rajab and the paramedical paramedics who had come to help all the dead. The incident triggered global demonstrations, especially at Columbia University, where students renamed Hamilton Hall like Hind’s Hall.
By discussing why she decided to tackle this material, Ben Hania said: “For me, it was a strong desire and a feeling of anger and helplessness that gave birth to this film. But I was surrounded by wonderful people, with all the support of Hind’s mother and family and all the workers of the Red Cross, who are the real heroes of this story.
The film is produced by the longtime producer of Ben Hania, Nadim Cheikhrouha, under his films Mime and his banners of Tanit films. Additional producers are Odessa Rae at the Raefilm Studios, based in New York, and James Wilson in the production of JW Films, based in London.
Last week Hollywood lighting such as Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer were one of the heavyweights that joined the project as executive producers.
When he questioned his Hollywood donors, Ben Hania said that she and her producers showed the film for several people when they finished their editing. Ben Hania said that after watching, many industry personalities began to offer their support.
“The fact that all these names have joined the film means something,” said Ben Hania. “We have seen that the story changes in the world that those who die in Gaza are collateral damage in the media. This is why cinema, art and any type of expression are very important to give these people a voice and a face.”
Ben Hania added: “I am very grateful for their support.”
The film was selected as Tunisia entry for the best category of international feature films from the 98th Academy Awards.
Venice runs until September 6.
