A film based on real life tragedy is not new, however, with the continual evolution of social media awareness and the accessibility to the current horrors taking place around the world, a film based on a very recent tragedy brings up a lot of questions. The first is the purpose of such a film. Is it simply to bring awareness? Or is it perhaps to create a real sense of empathy for the victims of this tragedy? The power of film remains undeniable but the hundreds of journalists martyred while trying to tell a similar story brings up questions on the effectiveness of a movie. Not to mention the financing and monetary outcome of said film. A very real question that needs to be asked on a film based on such a recent atrocity is – where will that money go? The Voice of Hind Rajab attempts to balance these complexities while reenacting one of the most heartbreaking real life stories coming out of the ongoing Gaza genocide. Complicated questions aside, the film is a harrowing, overwhelming, and profound exploration on the barriers people in power have placed on humanity and the time lost on overcomplicating undeniable tragedies.
Tunisian filmmaker, Kaouther Ben Hania, takes on the challenge of tackling a complex dramatization of the shocking story of a six-year-old girl forced to suffer incomprehensible evils while begging for her life. Instead of a direct reenactment of this young girl’s perspective, Ben Hania chooses to take a step back and tell the story from the perspective the rescuers who were charged to save her – the Palestine Red Crescent Society, an independent medical and ambulance service dispatched throughout Palestinian territories. Director, Kaouther Ben Hania specifically narrows in on the call center workers, who are charged with taking emergency pleas for help from Palestinians experiencing the violence of the Israeli military and sending out their ambulances to those in need of immediate medical attention. Ben Hania centers The Voice of Hind Rajab on the hurdles and barriers these call center workers attempt to overcome in order to achieve what should be the simple goal of saving a young girl asking for help while under attack. This creates a gut-wrenching tension throughout the entire film that drives the story’s themes forward.
The film balances a combination of the real audio recordings of Hind Rajab and reenactments from actors portraying the workers who were there that day. This, surprisingly, works incredibly well, and allows the film to remain centered on its themes and not veer too far off into sensitization. Kaouther Ben Hania values accuracy as she transitions from the audio recordings to the actors mid sentence, showcasing how the film is essentially a verbatim portrayal of that day. The actors surpass the purpose of their roles by giving raw, grounded performances that becomes a driving force throughout the film. Every character feels intentional to a thematic through line the film addresses and draws a genuine connection to the audience. The sense of urgency and very human reactions are realized exceptionally well with heartbreaking, memorable moments given by the cast. This is crucial to the film’s purpose. The range and detailed touches gifted actors can provide to a story is no doubt one of the reasons for the choice to create a dramatization of this story, instead a straight forward documentarian approach. Director, Kaouther Ben Hania, nails this aspect with truly special performances; specifically from Saja Kilani and Motaz Malhees who perfectly showcase the desperation of this terrible scenario.
The Voice of Hind Rajab is not simply a straight forward story of tragedy, but instead, a profound analysis on humanity and the lines drawn in order to prevent human reactions to vile situations. The suppression of humanity is purposefully buried under the over complications of what is deemed as “war time decisions,” “safety,” and “procedure;” all of which become superficial and weightless when confronted with undeniably urgent circumstances. The privilege of time is another well trodden theme throughout the film. Young Hind is forced to wait an unfathomable amount for her rescue, while surrounded by the bodies of her entire family. The situation is so appalling that each second wasted on process and procedure becomes excruciating. The workers emphasize this constantly throughout the movie, and there is even a clever portrayal of how time really is a privilege and one that not everyone can share across the world. Each social media post, each plea for help, each tragedy, start to blend together for current society and pass with time. The desensitization to gruesome stories and evils taking place across the world is, unfortunately, very real. This reality is addressed head on in The Voice of Hind Rajab with a timely examination into the loss of humanity.
Despite relevant questions on the film’s outcome, The Voice of Hind Rajab is undoubtedly a powerful, affecting, dramatization of one of the most alarming stories in recent memory. The film goes deeper than a recreation of the tragic event and focuses on larger questions on humanity, memories, and loss. The film is a difficult watch, but also, an important one. It’s a compelling wake up call to not disregard tragedies and to truly empathize with real humans, especially children, who are suffering under the weight of powerful forces watering down the current evils they are actively creating. It’s truly an eye-opening, gripping experience that doesn’t let go. It’s a must see, relevant film.
