The Voice of Hind Rajab: Venice Winner Gets U.S. Release Date — Why Critics Call It ‘Unforgettable

The acclaimed Venice Film Festival winner The Voice of Hind Rajab has secured its official U.S. distribution deal. Production partner WILLA will oversee both theatrical and digital releases, ensuring the film qualifies for the upcoming awards season. The emotionally charged Gaza-set drama will debut on December 17, 2025, at New York’s Film Forum and Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles, before expanding nationwide in subsequent weeks.

Directed by Tunisian filmmakers and produced by Jim Wilson, Odessa Rae, and Nadim Cheikhrouha, The Voice of Hind Rajab tells the haunting true story of a six-year-old girl trapped in a car in Gaza City, based on the real 2024 incident that gripped global attention. Using authentic Red Crescent emergency call audio, the film reconstructs the girl’s final moments while rescuers race to find her.

The film, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, is executive produced by a lineup of Hollywood heavyweights — Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Afonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.

Producers’ Statement

In a joint statement, producers Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae, and James Wilson said:

“After weighing numerous opportunities, we chose to keep this release in the family. WILLA brings thoughtfulness and vision to distribution, and together we’re building a release that honors the spirit in which the film was created.”

Critics at Venice described the premiere as one of the festival’s most emotional moments. TheWrap’s Ben Croll reported that the screening ended with “thunderous applause and full-body sobs” from the audience.

Impact Analysis

The U.S. release of The Voice of Hind Rajab positions it as a strong awards-season contender, joining other international features vying for recognition in 2025. The film’s combination of real-life audio and documentary-style direction has been praised for its authenticity and emotional power, further amplifying global attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What’s Next

The Voice of Hind Rajab will first open on December 17 in New York and Los Angeles, followed by a digital rollout and nationwide theatrical expansion in early 2026. With WILLA handling the release, expectations are high for critical and commercial recognition in both the U.S. and global markets.