Festival

Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ Triumphs at TIFF, Claiming People’s Choice Award in a Festival Packed with Riveting Stories

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Toronto, Canada — Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, “Hamnet,” has captured the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking a significant achievement for the director. The award was announced during a ceremony held on Sunday, and it reflects the festival’s unique approach, allowing audiences rather than a jury to decide the year’s favorite film. At TIFF, attendees of public screenings cast votes for their top picks on the festival’s official website. “Hamnet” led the voting, triumphing over Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” which secured second place, and Rian … Read more

"Venice Film Festival Spotlights Tensions: Palestinian Docudrama Captivates Audience Amidst Controversy over Israel"

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VENICE, Italy — A Palestinian-led docudrama centered on the Israel-Gaza conflict, which featured contributions from celebrated Jewish director Jonathan Glazer, earned significant acclaim during the Venice Film Festival, culminating in a remarkable standing ovation. The festival, which opened with a large pro-Palestinian protest, awarded the Golden Lion for best film to “Father Mother Sister Brother,” a family drama starring pro-Israel advocate Mayim Bialik. Bialik made an appearance on the red carpet amidst protests pushing for the exclusion of some pro-Israel figures, including actress Gal Gadot, whose own film, “In the Hand of Dante,” debuted at … Read more

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Triumphs with Silver Lion at Venice Film Festival

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VENICE, Italy — “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has garnered the prestigious Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, further solidifying its position as a significant entry in contemporary cinema. The film, directed by a talented filmmaker whose vision brings to light critical social issues, struck a chord with both audiences and critics alike. This award highlights the film’s powerful narrative, which explores themes of identity and resilience in a challenging socio-political landscape. The competition at the festival this year was fierce, with numerous films showcasing innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives. “The … Read more

Venice Film Festival Honors Tunisian Director Kaouther Ben Hania’s Heart-Wrenching Docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab

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RAMALLAH, West Bank – Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s impactful docudrama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” captured the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, marking a significant recognition at one of the world’s leading film festivals. The film centers on the tragic events of January 29, 2024, when five-year-old Hind Rajab became the only survivor of an attack by Israeli forces in Gaza while attempting to escape with her family. Throughout the harrowing experience, Hind made a desperate plea for assistance via a phone call to Red Crescent volunteers. … Read more