One of this year’s most celebrated international films, The Voice of Hind Rajab, directed by two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kauser Ben Hania, will be released in U.S. theaters on December 17th. The film will be released at New York’s Film Forum and Los Angeles’ Laemmle Theater before expanding nationwide. Distribution will be led by production partner WILLA, the distribution arm.
The Voice of Hind Rajab, which won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and reportedly received the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history, has been hailed as one of the most powerful and timely films of 2025. It also won the Audience Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, and set a new film festival record for highest score, in addition to honors at the Middleburg Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival. The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London, and AFI Fest.
Based on a true story, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” follows a Red Crescent volunteer who struggles to rescue a six-year-old girl trapped under artillery fire in Gaza. The film stars Saja Kirani, Motaz Malhith, Amel Freher, and Clara Cooley.
The film is Tunisia’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards and will be produced by Nadhim Sheikrouha (Four Daughters), Oscar winner Odessa Ray (Navalny) and James Wilson (Zone of Interest). Executive producers include Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuaron, and Jonathan Glazer.
WILLA is recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and supported by the Sundance Institute, with a focus on producing and distributing socially and culturally significant films. Recent titles include La Cocina directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, Fairyland produced by Sofia Coppola (co-distributed with Lionsgate), Another Body (SXSW Jury Award, Emmy nomination), The Queen of My Dreams directed by Fauzia Mirza, and You Resemble Me executive produced by Claire Dennis, Spike Lee, Spike Jonze, and Liz. Ahmed and Alma Ha’el. WILLA’s upcoming schedule includes “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and Claire Denis’ “The Fence.”
“We look forward to partnering with WILLA to distribute the film,” producers Shekluha, Ray and Wilson said in a joint statement. “After considering numerous opportunities, we have chosen to keep this release in the family. WILLA brings thoughtfulness and vision to distribution, and together we are building a release that honors the spirit in which the film was created.”
“As one of the film’s executive producers, I am honored to be able to contribute to the cause of my distribution company sharing the film with audiences,” said Woodward, CEO and founder of WILLA. “This is a powerful piece of work that demands to be experienced in theaters, and I’m proud to join Nadim, Odessa, Jim, and the other executive producers in championing it to ensure it reaches the widest possible audience.”
The film’s release will be accompanied by a strong impact campaign with special screenings at community events across the country in collaboration with the United Nations, the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, US universities and advocacy groups.
“Voice of Hind Rajab” is produced by Film4, MBC Studios, Ahmed Khan Foundation, Stitching Justra International Foundation, Watermelon Pictures, Utopia Studios, PFF, World Within Studios, Me Produced in collaboration with Mo Films, Sunnyland Films (ART Group), Rasha Mansouri Elmasry & Hassan Elmasry, RaeFilm Studio, JW Films, WILLA, Plan B, and Valentine. The production was also supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and the Investment Fund for the Promotion of Literary and Artistic Creation.
‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ will be released in New York and Los Angeles on December 17th, followed by a nationwide release.
