MBC Shahid Supports Gaza’s Oscar Nominee ‘The Voice Of Hind Rajab’ as It Gains Visibility Across MENA and the U.S.
The Academy Award-nominated drama The Voice of Hind Rajab has debuted in the Middle East and North Africa on MBC Shahid. This marks one of the most significant promotional efforts for an independent Arab-language film by the regional streaming platform.
The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, depicts the tragic killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza by Israeli forces in early 2024. Since its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival last September, where it received a record ovation and secured the Grand Jury Prize, the film has generated considerable attention.
As Tunisia’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, the film has also received nominations for a BAFTA and the Golden Globes.
MBC, Saudi Arabia’s prominent media and entertainment company, holds the exclusive streaming rights for the film in the MENA region. MBC Studios played a key role as an executive producer and co-financier.
“The exclusive streaming of The Voice of Hind Rajab reflects on MBC Shahid’s commitment to offering award-winning global and human-centered cinematic works,” the platform stated.
Before its launch on MBC Shahid, The Voice of Hind Rajab was featured at several major fall festivals across the MENA region, including Doha, Marrakech, the Red Sea, and Carthage. The film also had a limited theatrical release in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine, facilitated by Mad Distribution.
Produced by Mime Films and Tanit Films alongside individual producers James Wilson and Odessa Rae, the film also boasts executive producers like Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, Rooney Mara, and Alfonso Cuarón, among others.
The MENA streaming launch coincides with an announcement from the film’s U.S. distributor, Willa, regarding an expanded release in over 70 cinemas nationwide. Director Kaouther Ben Hania is scheduled to engage in a series of live Q&A sessions in New York and Los Angeles in the coming days.
