One of the year’s most celebrated international films, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” from two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, will debut in U.S. theaters Dec. 17. The film will open at New York’s Film Forum and Los Angeles’ Laemmle Theatres before expanding nationwide. Distribution will be led by WILLA, the production partner’s distribution arm.
Winner of the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival — where it reportedly received the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history — “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has been hailed as one of 2025’s most powerful and timely works. It also won the Audience Award at the San Sebastián Film Festival, setting a new record for the festival’s highest score, in addition to honors at the Middleburg Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival. The film has screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London and AFI Fest.
Based on true events, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” follows Red Crescent volunteers as they struggle to reach a six-year-old girl trapped under fire in Gaza. The film stars Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel and Clara Khoury.
The film is Tunisia’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards and is produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha (“Four Daughters”), Oscar winner Odessa Rae (“Navalny”) and James Wilson (“The Zone of Interest”). The executive producers include Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer.
WILLA, recognized by Forbes “30 Under 30” and supported by the Sundance Institute, focuses on producing and distributing socially and culturally significant cinema. Recent titles include Alonso Ruizpalacios’ “La Cocina,” Sofia Coppola-produced “Fairyland” (co-distributed with Lionsgate), “Another Body” (SXSW Jury Award, Emmy nominee), Fawzia Mirza’s “The Queen of My Dreams” and “You Resemble Me,” executive produced by Claire Denis, Spike Lee, Spike Jonze, Riz Ahmed and Alma Har’el. WILLA’s upcoming slate includes “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and Claire Denis’ “The Fence.”
“We’re looking forward to partnering with WILLA on the distribution of our film,” producers Cheikhrouha, Rae, and Wilson said in a joint statement. “After weighing numerous opportunities, we chose to keep this release in the family. WILLA brings thoughtfulness and vision to distribution, and together we’re building a release that honors the spirit in which the film was created.”
“As one of the executive producers of the film, I’m honored that my distribution company can serve the cause of sharing the film with audiences,” said Woodward, CEO and founder of WILLA. “It’s a powerful work that demands to be experienced in theaters, and we’re proud to champion it alongside Nadim, Odessa, Jim, and our fellow executive producers to ensure it reaches the widest possible audience.”
A robust impact campaign will accompany the film’s release, featuring special screenings at the United Nations, the U.K. Parliament, the European Parliament, U.S. universities and community events nationwide in collaboration with advocacy organizations.
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” is produced in association with Film4, MBC Studios, Amed Khan Foundation, Stitching Giustra International Foundation, Watermelon Pictures, Utopia Studios, PFF, World Within Studios, MeMo Films, Sunnyland Films (A.R.T. Group), Rasha Mansouri Elmasry & Hassan Elmasry, RaeFilm Studios, JW Films, WILLA, Plan B and Valentine. The production also received support from the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Fund for the Promotion and Investment in Literary and Artistic Creativity.
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” opens Dec. 17 in New York and Los Angeles, with a national rollout to follow.
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