‘Hind’s voice is the voice of Gaza and all Palestinians,’ say cast and real-life heros in their tribute to Hind Rajab at Doha Film Festival

Doha, Qatar; November 21, 2025: Never could there have been a media briefing as sombre as when the cast and original heroes joined on stage to honour Hind Rajab, the young Palestinian girl, trapped in a car under military fire.

A day after The Voice of Hind Rajab by award-winning director Kaouther Ben Hania opened Doha Film Festival 2025, the briefing witnessed actors and Red Crescent staff portrayed in the film, along with Ben Hania and the film’s producer Nadim Cheikrouha.

It was a solemn testament to the harrowing plight of Hind and a reminder of the silent suffering of millions of Palestinians every day. The team shared intense perspectives about the film’s making, with many breaking into tears as they recalled the incident that happened 21 months ago.

The cast applauded the brave work of Palestine Red Crescent Society including President Dr. Younis Al-Khatib, Director General Khaled Abu Ghoush, and members Nisreen Jiries Eid, Rana H.I. Faqih, Omar Ahmed Alqam, Mahdi Jamal, Mohammed Ayyad and Nibal Farsakh. Actors Amer Hlehel, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, and Saja Kilani said they were honoured to portray the roles rooted in real courage.

Ben Hania said the film is not an explanation of the events, but a medium that builds empathy so that the ‘audiences do not forget the voice of Hind.’ “There is nothing stronger than cinema for empathy. It’s not about explanation; it’s about impact.”

She described her choice to build the story from the Palestinian Red Crescent’s operations room: “I could have made it from Hind’s perspective or her mother’s, but I chose a single space because it was the most honest frame for what happened. The story was already there; reality went beyond fiction.”

Ben Hania also explained why she chose to use Hind’s real emergency call rather than recreating it with an actor. “It would have been in poor taste,” she said. “Her voice is alive and that is the heart of the film. When I first heard it, I felt she was talking to me, irrational as that is. That voice stayed with me and became the centre of everything.”

Nadim Cheikrouha spoke about the film’s production journey: “We had some initial financing, and as we advanced we sought support to amplify Hind’s voice.  Some global names joined as executive producers not for funding, and they amplified the film’s reach.”

Omar Alqam described the emotional toll of the film: “When a child asks for help, you are moved, especially when she pleads ‘for God’s sake.’ That voice must be transmitted to the world.” Motaz Malheez who portrayed Omar said that while he has been acting for 16 years, it was his greatest honour to depict the real-life hero.

Representatives of the Palestine Red Crescent added that since the war escalated, they have lost dozens of paramedics and several ambulances have been destroyed. “Yet our duty remains: to carry voices like Hind’s and preserve the dignity of those we serve.”

Doha Film Festival’s opening night film was, in essence, an act of remembrance. In honouring Hind Rajab and the first responders who tried to reach her, the film affirms cinema’s capacity to build empathy, demand attention and refuse being silenced.