Director of 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' to Jury Venice Film Festival 2026

Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania will serve as a jury member for the international competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, solidifying her status as an influential contemporary Arab filmmaker.

She joins jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal in selecting the festival's top awards, including the prestigious Golden Lion for best film. The festival runs from September 2-12 in Venice, Italy.

Ben Hania's inclusion highlights growing international recognition for her work. Her recent film, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which focuses on a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024, won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at last year's Venice Film Festival.

The film, reportedly produced in part by Joaquin Phoenix, uses original audio recordings of Hind Rajab, who called the Red Crescent emergency service while trapped in a car with her deceased family. Ben Hania stated that the film is not just about one child but represents an entire nation experiencing genocide. "Cinema cannot bring Hind back, cannot erase the cruelty she endured. But cinema can immortalize her voice, make it resonate across borders. Her voice will continue to echo until justice is served," she said.

"The Voice of Hind Rajab" received a 23-minute standing ovation at its premiere, with many critics suggesting it deserved the Golden Lion. The film's narrative is built entirely on the original sound recordings of Hind's calls.