The Next Best Picture Podcast Interview With "The Voice Of Hind Rajab" Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania
Jan 10, 2026
Kaouther Ben Hania, a Tunisian filmmaker known for blending documentary and fiction, shares her journey creating 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' She discusses the emotional connection that inspired her to make the film after hearing about the tragic death of a young girl. Kaouther details the rapid production process, emphasizing how she merged facts with narrative storytelling. She also highlights the importance of family approval, emotional support for the cast, and using real footage to enhance authenticity, alongside her hopes for future projects.
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Instant Call To Make A Film
- Kaouther Ben Hania first heard Hind Rajab's voice in a short Red Crescent clip online and felt an immediate compulsion to act.
- She contacted Hind's mother for consent and obtained the full Red Crescent recordings to build the film's backbone.
Family's Involvement And Healing
- Hind's mother could not watch the film but attended Q&As via her brother and later appeared at the Doha premiere.
- She used the platform to propose a charity to help children in Gaza and found consolation in audience solidarity.
Factual Material Accelerated Production
- The film's urgency came from factual source material and emotional momentum, enabling rapid production.
- Ben Hania believed the story already existed and the recording provided a clear structural backbone.