Kaouther Ben Hania & Saja Kilani on 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Film

The Urgency to Tell Hind Rajab's Story

• 🎯 Kaouther Ben Hania felt a crisis of meaning as a filmmaker amidst the events in Gaza, questioning the impact of images when there's no reaction.
• 💡 The viral voice recording of Hind Rajab resonated deeply, prompting a pivot from a planned project to focus on telling her story.
• ⚡ The film aims to explore and move beyond the feeling of helplessness experienced by many regarding the situation in Gaza.

Directing with Authenticity

• 🎬 Ben Hania chose to have actors hear Hind's voice for the first time during filming to elicit genuine emotional reactions rather than performances.
• 🎭 The shooting process was akin to a documentary, with long takes and a focus on actors reacting authentically to the audio.
• 🗣️ Actor Saja Kilani emphasized listening to Hind's voice as a guide, aiming for honesty and truthfulness in her portrayal.

Seeking and Receiving Blessing

• 🙏 Ben Hania sought blessing from Hind's mother, Wisam, recognizing the need for her consent due to the sensitive nature of the story.
• 🤝 Wisam bravely encouraged the film, stating, "If the story of my daughter can stop this genocide, do it. I want justice for my daughter."
• 💖 The interaction with Wisam highlighted her courage, intelligence, and resilience amidst immense personal tragedy.

Research and Representation

• 🔍 Extensive research involved direct contact with Red Crescent employees, including Rana, to understand the events and systems involved.
• 📝 Ben Hania meticulously recorded conversations and gathered evidence, including the original audio recording detailing the tragic events.
• 🖼️ The film uses archival images and personal accounts to reveal the human stories behind the numbers and statistics.

Impact and Humanity

• 🌍 The film aims to humanize the Palestinian experience, encouraging viewers to look beyond preconceptions and see the humanity in every individual.
• 🇺🇸 There's a strong desire for American audiences to watch the film to understand the Palestinian perspective and foster empathy.
• ✨ The ultimate goal is to remind people of their shared humanity, urging them to connect with the emotional and personal aspects of the conflict.