Hanias

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

Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Sparks Debate: Jarmusch’s Win vs. Ben Hania’s Heartfelt Drama

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Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival concluded with the prestigious Golden Lion for best film awarded to Jim Jarmusch for his work “Father Mother Sister Brother.” Jury president Alexander Payne faced an intense media inquiry regarding the decision, especially since Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza drama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” garnered a heartfelt 22-minute standing ovation during its premiere and secured the runner-up grand jury prize. At a press conference following the awards ceremony, Payne addressed the inevitable comparisons and expectations surrounding the two films. “The unfair aspect of being part of a festival … Read more

Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘Four Daughters’ Emerges Victorious at Palm Spring International Film Festival

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Palm Springs, California – The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival recently concluded, revealing the winners of this year’s jury awards. One standout film, “Four Daughters,” took home the FIPRESCI prize, which recognizes films in the international film festival Oscar submissions program. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film is also Tunisia’s official Oscar submission. The jury statement praised “Four Daughters” for its unique approach to storytelling and its exploration of human complexity. Director Kaouther Ben Hania skillfully weaves together elements of fact, meta-fiction, and confessional therapy to create a powerful and thought-provoking film. … Read more