The Doha Film Institute announced today that the 2025 edition of the Doha Film Festival will open with The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia, France), directed by the award-winning Kaouther Ben Hania, marking a powerful beginning that reflects Qatar’s commitment to celebrating cinematic excellence.
The film, supported by the Doha Film Institute’s grants program, offers a deeply moving portrayal of the final moments of an innocent Palestinian child, Hind Rajab, whose voice shook the conscience of the world. More than a story of unimaginable loss, it stands as a testament to courage, a stark reminder of the price of silence, and a call for universal empathy that transcends borders. Recently, the film won the Grand Jury Prize—the Silver Lion—at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
By choosing this film as the festival’s opener, the Doha Film Institute reaffirms its belief in cinema as a force capable of piercing through indifference, carrying voices across continents, and reminding us of our shared humanity. This selection also mirrors the Institute’s mission to defend truth, give voice to the voiceless, and confront the realities shaping our world with honesty and boldness.
Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute and Festival Director, commented:
“Opening our festival with The Voice of Hind Rajab is an act of honoring truth—fragile, painful, yet urgent. Hind’s trembling but defiant voice speaks to each one of us. Her story is the story of countless Palestinian children, women, and men whose lives have been shattered by the brutal occupation. Their resilience continues to inspire global conscience. Through this film, we not only commemorate Hind’s memory but also countless other victims, hoping to rekindle compassion, strengthen solidarity, and remind the world that no story—no matter how painful—should remain untold.”
The film blends real emergency call recordings with dramatic performances, recreating the harrowing 90 minutes that Hind endured, trapped inside a car under fire. Hollywood heavyweights including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Alfonso Cuarón joined as executive producers. The film has also been selected to represent Tunisia at the 98th Academy Awards.
Kaouther Ben Hania has cemented her place among the most celebrated Arab filmmakers. A graduate of Tunisia’s Higher Institute of Multimedia Arts and later Paris’s La Fémis, she has earned international acclaim with works such as The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020), the first Tunisian film ever nominated for an Academy Award, and Four Daughters (2023), which won the L’Œil d’Or for Best Documentary at Cannes and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
The Doha Film Festival 2025 will run from November 20 to 28, 2025, across landmark venues including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art. These spaces will transform into vibrant cultural arenas, welcoming filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from across the globe. The festival highlights the healing and unifying power of art, while spotlighting voices that deepen our shared understanding.
Since its inception, the Doha Film Festival has been designed to reflect the ambition and diversity of the region, presenting a wide array of films, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive experiences. With each edition, it strengthens Doha’s role as a vital hub for meaningful cultural exchange and cinematic discovery.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
