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By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania's latest film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday to a standing ovation.
The screening received a rapturous response from audience, including a standing ovation lasting more than 22 minutes.
Executive producers Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara were on their feet to congratulate the filmmakers and cast, who held up a picture of Hind during the ovation.
The film recounts the events of Jan. 29, 2024, when the 5-year-old was the sole survivor in a car hit by Israeli forces while trying to escape with her family in Gaza.
During the attack, Hind made a desperate phone call to Red Crescent volunteers pleading for help. Volunteers tried to maintain contact and summon an ambulance, but both the vehicle and the girl were struck before help could arrive.
Speaking after the screening, Ben Hania said: "A film like this had to be made because too often the news reminds us of facts we forget and sometimes shows us a world that has been denied the power to speak. The voice of this five-year-old girl, Hind, is ultimately that of Gaza asking for help."
The film aims to bring Hind's voice and the suffering of Gaza to the big screen, reminding audiences of a tragedy.
The film, which is competing for the Golden Lion, the grand prize of the Venice festival, one of the most prestigious awards in world cinema, moved audiences and critics alike during its premiere, drawing widespread emotional reactions.
The screening attracted a number of high-profile supporters, including Brad Pitt, Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer.