A poignant new film depicting the tragic final hours of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who lost her life due to Israeli gunfire in Gaza earlier this year, is set to premiere in the UAE on December 17. Titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” this docudrama is directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania. The film features the actual voice of Hind, providing a haunting and authentic portrayal of the child’s experience as she was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of her relatives.
Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” garnered significant attention, winning the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize and receiving an overwhelming 23-minute standing ovation from the audience. Following its debut, the film has been showcased at various film festivals across Europe and the Middle East. It was notably featured at the Doha Film Festival, where Hind’s mother, Wissam Hamada, delivered a heartfelt address about her daughter’s legacy. She emphasized the importance of spreading the message of resilience and hope amidst conflict.
Hamada shared, “Hind is gone, but her voice still wakes me up every dawn,” highlighting her commitment to being a voice for the children of Gaza, who endure unimaginable hardships and are often deprived of their basic rights and dreams.
As excitement builds for its UAE release, the film will screen at Cinema Akil in Dubai and has been nominated for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language at the upcoming 2026 Golden Globes. Additional screenings are anticipated throughout late December, though other major exhibitors in the UAE have yet to confirm their plans to show the film.
This film serves not only as a tribute to a young life cut short but also as a broader reflection on the experiences of children living in war-torn regions, and it underscores the power of storytelling as a means to raise awareness and promote peace. The forthcoming screenings in the UAE are expected to foster dialogue and compassion around the challenges faced by children in conflict zones.