“The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, took second place to Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” an indie film from the United States.
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The movie is based on the true story of Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces as she and her family attempted to leave Gaza City.
The film features real audio from Rajab’s prolonged call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, where rescue workers tried to comfort her as she was trapped in a bullet-ridden car with her deceased aunt, uncle, and three cousins, all victims of Israeli fire.
Hind Rajab and two ambulance workers who responded to save her were also killed.
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” sparked significant discussion on the Venice Lido and received a 23-minute standing ovation at its premiere.
Director Ben Hania, accepting the award, stated that Rajab’s story is emblematic of “an entire people enduring genocide”.
“Cinema cannot revive Hind, nor can it erase the atrocities committed against her. Her voice will echo until there is accountability and justice,” Ben Hania said.
Israel’s conflict in Gaza, which has claimed over 64,000 Palestinian lives, including more than 18,000 children, heavily influenced this year’s festival.
Jim Jarmusch, the winner of the prestigious Golden Lion, wore a badge that read “Enough” in opposition to Israel’s ongoing siege and bombardment of Gaza at the award ceremony.
In other awards, Toni Servillo took the best actor prize for “La Grazia”, Xin Zhilei won best actress for “The Sun Rises On Us All”, and Benny Safdie was honored as best director for “The Smashing Machine”.
Awards also addressed Palestine, with several winners using the platform to express solidarity with the Palestinians affected by the conflict.
The Venice festival is a significant marker in the awards season, often influencing Oscar nominations and wins.
Another notable outcome was the absence of several award nominations for prominent films such as “A House of Dynamite,” “Frankenstein,” and “Jay Kelly”.
