"The Voice of Hind Rajab" Sets U.S. Release After Historic Festival Run

Get ready: the powerful, award-winning film The Voice Of Hind Rajab is finally hitting U.S. theaters this December, bringing a crucial true story to the big screen.

TL;DR

• The Voice of Hind Rajab will have a U.S. theatrical release starting December 17, 2025, distributed by Willa.
• The film, based on the tragic true story of a six-year-old girl trapped in Gaza, has earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Venice's Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.
• With backing from big names like Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix, the film is also Tunisia's official Oscar submission for the 98th Academy Awards.

A Story That Demands to Be Heard: The Tragic Truth Behind the Film

We've all heard stories that stay with us, but few hit as hard as the real-life events behind Kaouther Ben Hania's upcoming drama, The Voice of Hind Rajab. This isn't just a movie; it's a gut-wrenching, true account of a six-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab, who found herself trapped in a car in Gaza.

On January 29, 2024, Hind's family was tragically killed by Israeli tank fire, leaving her alone amidst the wreckage. Her desperate calls to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) became a haunting testament to the conflict. For over an hour, PRCS workers stayed on the line with her, trying to provide comfort and coordinate a rescue. The film incorporates these actual audio recordings, making her plight incredibly immediate and raw for viewers.

Heartbreakingly, the ambulance dispatched to save Hind was itself destroyed, killing the two medics on board. Hind’s voice and her story quickly became an emblematic and deeply painful symbol of the war in Gaza. It's important to know that the film was made with the express consent of Hind's mother, Wissam Hamada, whose poignant testimony also closes the film, adding another layer of authenticity and respect to this sensitive portrayal.

From Venice Standing Ovations to Oscar Submission: A Festival Darling With a Powerful Message

If the sheer emotional weight of the story isn't enough, consider the film's incredible reception on the global festival circuit. The Voice of Hind Rajab made its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it received a truly historic, record-breaking standing ovation that lasted over 20 minutes (some reports even say up to 24!). That kind of reaction is rare, and it really speaks to the film's impact.

Beyond the ovations, the film racked up some major accolades:

• Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival
• Audience Award at the San Sebastián Film Festival (setting a new record for the festival's highest score)
• Audience Award for International Feature at the Middleburg Film Festival
• Silver Hugo Jury Prize at the Chicago Film Festival

It also screened at other top-tier festivals like Toronto, BFI London, and AFI Fest, solidifying its place as one of the year's most talked-about international films. And talk about big news: it's been selected as Tunisia's official submission for the 98th Academy Awards, putting it firmly in the Oscar race!

Notably, the film also had a special screening at the first edition of the Gaza International Festival for Women's Cinema, held in late October 2025, which aimed to highlight the suffering and resilience of Palestinian women. Festival founder Ezzaldeen Shalh emphasized that the event was created to give women a voice through cinema, making the screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab particularly poignant.

The Powerhouse Team Making Waves Behind the Scenes of This Urgent Film

Director and writer Kaouther Ben Hania is no stranger to blending real-life narratives with compelling drama; her previous work, the Oscar-nominated Four Daughters, showcased her unique vision. With The Voice of Hind Rajab, her intentions are clear: to amplify Hind's voice and shed light on the immense suffering of children in Palestine.

The production team behind this film is equally impressive. It was produced by Oscar nominee Nadim Cheikhrouha (also known for Four Daughters), Oscar winner Odessa Rae (who worked on Navalny), and Oscar winner James Wilson (from The Zone of Interest). That's a serious amount of talent dedicated to bringing this story to life.

And then there's the executive producer list, which reads like a who's who of Hollywood's biggest names and most influential voices. We're talking about:

• Brad Pitt
• Joaquin Phoenix
• Alfonso Cuarón
• Jonathan Glazer
• Rooney Mara
• Dede Gardner
• Jeremy Kleiner
• Elizabeth Woodward
• And many more, including Frank Giustra, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Badie Ali, Hamza Ali, Mohannad Malas, Farhana Bhula, Jemima Khan, Sawsan Asfari, Ali Jaafar, Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Gabriele Moratti, and Tiziana Sousou.

This level of star power and industry backing not only boosts the film's profile but also signals its significant cultural and social importance. These executive producers are clearly throwing their weight behind a project they believe demands global attention.

Willa Leads the U.S. Distribution Charge for This Essential Story

After much anticipation and "weighing numerous opportunities," The Voice of Hind Rajab has found its U.S. distribution partner in Willa. This isn't just any distributor; Willa is also one of the film's production partners, making this a truly "in the family" release.

Willa, recognized by Forbes "30 Under 30" and supported by the Sundance Institute, is known for championing socially and culturally important films. This partnership feels incredibly fitting given the powerful nature of the movie.

"It’s a powerful work that demands to be experienced in theaters, and we’re proud to champion it alongside the producers Nadim, Odessa, Jim, and my fellow Executive Producers to ensure it reaches the widest possible audience."

— Elizabeth Woodward, CEO and founder of Willa, and Executive Producer of The Voice of Hind Rajab

The producers—Cheikhrouha, Rae, and Wilson—echoed this sentiment, stating, "Willa brings thoughtfulness and vision to distribution, and together we’re building a release that honors the spirit in which the film was created." It sounds like they're all aligned on making sure Hind's story is told with the care and impact it deserves.

More Than Just a Theatrical Release: An Impact Campaign to Remember

The release of The Voice of Hind Rajab won't be confined to just movie theaters. Willa is planning a robust impact campaign, featuring special screenings at major international bodies like the United Nations, the U.K. Parliament, and the European Parliament. There will also be screenings at U.S. universities and community events nationwide, in collaboration with various advocacy organizations.

This film is clearly intended to spark conversation and prompt reflection. While some critics have debated whether "raising awareness" is truly enough in the face of ongoing devastation, Ben Hania herself has stated that "they need our help," not just Movies. The film serves as a groundbreaking, albeit harrowing, piece of cinema that undeniably brings the plight of Palestinian children to the forefront. It acts as an archival record, ensuring Hind's voice, and the voices she represents, live on.

Getting Ready to Watch: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Release

Ready to experience this powerful film for yourself? Here's the lowdown on what to expect:

When and Where You Can Catch This Important Film

The Voice of Hind Rajab is set for a limited theatrical release in the U.S. starting December 17, 2025. It will premiere in two major cities:

• New York City: At Film Forum
• Los Angeles: At Laemmle Theatres

A national rollout will follow these initial engagements, so keep an eye out for screening dates in your local area! Details on any digital or streaming release haven't been announced yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Meet the Cast Bringing This True Story to Life

The film features a talented cast dedicated to portraying this sensitive story:

• Saja Kilani
• Motaz Malhees
• Amer Hlehel
• Clara Khoury

Runtime and Other Details

The film's runtime has been reported with slight variations, ranging from 70 to 89 minutes across different sources. We'll confirm the exact runtime closer to the national release, but expect a concise yet deeply immersive experience. As for a rating, that hasn't been officially announced for the U.S. market yet.

This isn't just another movie hitting theaters; it's a significant cinematic event that aims to inform, provoke thought, and honor the memory of Hind Rajab. Make sure to mark your calendars for December 17, 2025, and prepare for a film that promises to be both unforgettable and deeply impactful.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About The Voice of Hind Rajab Answered

When does The Voice of Hind Rajab come out in the U.S.?

It will have a limited theatrical release starting December 17, 2025, in New York and Los Angeles, with a wider national rollout to follow.

Where can I watch The Voice of Hind Rajab?

Initially, it will screen in theaters in New York (Film Forum) and Los Angeles (Laemmle Theatres) before expanding nationwide. Digital or streaming release details are not yet announced.

What is The Voice of Hind Rajab about?

It's a drama based on the true events of a six-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was tragically trapped in a car in Gaza with her deceased family. The film follows Red Crescent volunteers desperately trying to rescue her, using real audio from her emergency calls.

Has The Voice of Hind Rajab won any awards?

Yes, it has received significant acclaim, including the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, and Audience Awards at the San Sebastián and Middleburg Film Festivals. It's also Tunisia's official submission for the 98th Academy Awards.

Sources

• Deadline: 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Lands December Release In U.S.
• The Hollywood Reporter: 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Lands U.S. Distribution
• Variety: 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Lands U.S. Distribution, Sets December Release
• Screen Daily: 'The Voice Of Hind Rajab' sets US distributor, release date
• Paste Magazine: The Voice of Hind Rajab Is a Groundbreaking but Ultimately Futile Docudrama
• Screen Rant: The Voice Of Hind Rajab Review
• Daily Sabah: Palestinian women share their stories through cinema at Gaza festival
• Punch Drunk Critics: Middleburg Review: 'The Voice Of Hind Rajab' A Viral Palestinian Story Gets The Film Treatment
• The DePaulia: ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ review
• NBC News: Gaza film festival screens 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' (video)