The Academy has nominated The Voice of Hind Rajab for the Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category. The documentary is inspired by the final moments of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fire in Gaza.
Directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film tells the true story of Hind, who became trapped in her family’s car on January 29, 2024, while fleeing intense fighting in northern Gaza. She was traveling with several family members, including her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamadeh, when their vehicle came under fire in Gaza City. After nearly two weeks of uncertainty, Hind was later found dead.
A central and haunting element of the documentary is the real audio recording of Hind’s final phone call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. In the call, she desperately pleaded for help, explaining that they were trapped amid heavy gunfire. The recording spread widely on social media after her death, sparking global outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Two Red Crescent paramedics were also killed when they attempted to reach and rescue Hind. While the IDF denied responsibility for the incident, an investigation by London-based research group Forensic Architecture concluded that more than 355 bullets hit the car and that an Israeli tank was operating at close range.
The documentary gained significant international attention following its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2025, further amplifying global awareness of Hind Rajab’s story.
