"The Voice of Hind Rajab" Approaches the Oscars.. A New Achievement for Arab Cinema in the Global Race

The Tunisian film The Voice of Hind Rajab has advanced to the next stage in the Oscar awards race, having been selected among the final list of films nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
This selection is a significant milestone for Arab cinema, which continues to grow its presence in major global events.

Kawthar Ben Hania Continues Her Global Journey

This new nomination adds to the record of Tunisian director Kawthar Ben Hania, who has previously competed at the Oscars with notable works such as The Man Who Sold His Back and The Girls of Al-Fa.
Critics believe that the advancement of her new film to this stage reflects a growing confidence in Arab cinema and its ability to present impactful human stories in a universal language.

Strong Competition in the Final List

The Voice of Hind Rajab competes with a group of prominent international works, including:
"The Secret Agent" (Brazil)
"A Minor Incident" (France)
"Emotional Value" (Norway)
"Sirat" (Spain)
The winning film is set to be announced during the Oscar awards ceremony on March 15, 2026.

A Human Story Blending Documentary and Drama

The film blends dramatic and documentary styles to tell the story of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who lost her life during the war on Gaza in early 2024, based on real recordings of attempts to save her.
The cast includes several actors, including Saja Kilani, Mu'taz Malhis, Amer Halihal, and Clara Khoury.

Notable Presence at International Festivals

The film began its global journey at the Venice Film Festival before being showcased at several Arab and international festivals, contributing to its critical and popular presence.
The team confirmed that the film aims to convey the voice of Gaza to the world, believing that relying on the real voice of the girl gives the work emotional strength and rare authenticity.

Arab Cinema in the Global Race

The advancement of The Voice of Hind Rajab to this stage reflects the expanding presence of Arab cinema in international competitions, where several Arab works have emerged in the Oscar shortlist, enhancing the status of Arab production on the global cinema map.