The Voice of Hind Rajab Earns Longlist Spot at 2026 BAFTAs
A powerful and urgent film has broken through to the international stage, carrying a story that the world first heard in a series of devastating phone calls. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s documentary, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation, has been longlisted for two prestigious 2026 BAFTA Awards: Best Film Not in English Language and Best Director.
The film chronicles the harrowing final hours of six-year-old Hind Rajab Hamada. In early 2024, while fleeing Israeli military forces in Gaza City with her family, their car came under fire. Hind, tragically becoming the sole survivor of the initial attack, made desperate calls to the Palestinian Red Crescent that were broadcast globally. Her pleas for rescue, followed by the news of her death, sparked international outrage and became a symbol of the conflict’s human cost.
This cinematic project has drawn significant support from notable figures in the film industry. Acclaimed actors Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt, alongside Oscar-winning directors Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest) and Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), have lent their names as executive producers, underscoring the story’s profound resonance.
Following the BAFTA longlist announcement, the Red Sea Film Foundation shared a moving statement: “From the very beginning, this film carried an urgency that demanded to be heard. We’re proud to have supported its journey and to see it continue reaching audiences beyond borders, reminding us why these stories matter and why they need space to be told.”
The recognition from BAFTA adds to the film’s growing list of accolades. It has already been selected as Tunisia’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards and has secured a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture — Non-English Language, with the ceremony set for January 11.
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” represents more than award season contention; it is a testament to cinema’s role as a witness. By translating a global news story into a deeply human narrative, the film ensures that a single, lost voice continues to echo, demanding remembrance and reflection on the world stage.
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