Through screening two films, the poignant documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab, and the historic drama Palestine 36, this year's BFI London Film Festival offers a rare presentation of Palestine's past and current lived experiences.
These films bring nuanced Palestinian stories to UK audiences, highlighting voices and perspectives often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.
The festival’s 2025 edition continues its tradition of celebrating diverse, global voices through a wide-ranging program of thought-provoking films, fostering cultural dialogue and artistic innovation.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza war drama The Voice of Hind Rajab is a powerful film that blends fiction and documentary, inspired by heartbreaking real events.
A Tunisian-French co-production tells the story of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped in a car under heavy shelling in Gaza after losing her family. During those harrowing moments, Hind made a desperate call to the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency services, but rescue teams struggled to secure safe passage to reach her.
Using the actual audio recording of that call, the film creates a striking cinematic experience that captures silence, fear, and waiting, transforming the child’s voice into a universal symbol of innocence confronting violence.
The film had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize, one of the world’s top honours.
In Venice, the film also received widespread critical acclaim and a standing ovation that lasted over 20 minutes, cementing its status as one of the year’s most significant cinematic achievements.
Palestine 36
Directed by acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir, Palestine 36 is a historical drama that explores a pivotal year during the Arab revolt against British colonial rule in the late 1930s.
The film sheds light on a critical period that shaped the modern Middle East, focusing on the escalating tensions between local Palestinian villagers, increasing Jewish immigration, and the British mandate authorities.
Jacir, who resides in Haifa, created the film to address the often-overlooked impact of British policies prior to the establishment of Israel in 1948. The narrative captures the rising unrest and the harsh crackdown by British forces, including mass arrests, violence, and the destruction of homes, as Palestinians resist colonial oppression.
The cast features notable performances from Hiam Abbass, known internationally for her role in HBO’s Succession, and Jeremy Irons, who portrays the conflicted British high commissioner caught amid the turmoil.
The film’s mostly Arabic-speaking ensemble adds authenticity to its portrayal of the era’s complex cultural and political dynamics.
Palestine 36 has garnered attention at various international film festivals for its nuanced storytelling and powerful depiction of historical events.
It has also been selected as Palestine's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (2026), scheduled for 15 March 2026.
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