When six-year-old Hind Rajab reached out to the Red Cross for help in January 2024, the ambulance car was 8 minutes away from her. She could have been saved, but instead, the Israeli army murdered her and two of the rescuers in cold blood. Her voice went on to haunt millions around the world, standing as a chilling testament to the brutality and impunity with which Israel continues to commit genocide.
In an attempt to document and remember Hind, Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania felt compelled to create The Voice of Hind Rajab; an Oscar short-listed film that documents the devastating story.
In our conversation, Ben Hania reflects on the ethical and artistic choices behind the film, the responsibilities filmmakers carry when the violence they address has not ended, and the role of cinema as an act of listening.
This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.
This conversation was recorded on December 21, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.
Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.
In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.
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Relevant links and Resources:
Watch the trailers of Kaouther Ben Hania’s films: