"Are You Coming to Save Us?" The Last Cry of a Girl from Gaza that Resonated at the Venice Film Festival

According to the German DPA news agency, a film based on the horrific experiences of a 6-year-old girl from Gaza was unveiled at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, moving the audience to tears. The 90-minute film "The Voice of Hind Rjab," directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, has gained attention in the competition section of the festival.

This work, co-produced by Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix, premiered at the Sala Grande on the Lido Island of Venice, resonating deeply with local audiences. The film is set against the backdrop of a tragic event that occurred in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, on January 29, 2024.

At that time, 6-year-old Hind Rjab was fleeing with her family amidst Israeli shelling when their vehicle was attacked, resulting in the death of her entire family while she alone survived. She remained on the phone with rescuers for about three hours, desperately waiting for help despite extreme fear.

According to foreign media including The Washington Post, Hind's voice, filled with desperation, is captured in the film as she says, "I am so scared. Are you coming to save me now?" However, the last call was cut off amidst gunfire and explosions, and the rescue team ultimately perished without reaching her due to the Israeli attack.

The bodies of Hind and the rescue team were found just 50 meters away, while the Israeli military denies the attack took place. The film consists of reenactments by actors, but actual recordings of the calls between Hind and the rescue team are inserted, adding to the realism.

After the screening, applause lasted for over 20 minutes in the theater, with some audience members waving Palestinian flags and chanting, "Freedom for Palestine." DPA reported that such a long applause is very rare at the Venice Film Festival and was the longest among the competition entries.