Overview

• The world premiere prompted a reported 22–23 minute ovation, with flags raised and chants heard in the Sala Grande, marking the festival’s longest applause so far.
• Director Kaouther Ben Hania uses Hind Rajab’s real recorded voice to anchor a reconstruction of Palestine Red Crescent efforts, based on a full 70-minute call obtained with family and PRCS support.
• Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer joined as executive producers shortly before Venice, elevating the film’s profile and awards prospects.
• At the festival press conference, the cast read a statement pleading for an end to mass killing, starvation, dehumanization, destruction and occupation.
• Tunisia has submitted the film for Best International Feature; early reviews are strongly positive, with some observers tipping it as a Golden Lion contender, and U.S. distribution is being sought, as investigations cited by the film attribute close-range fire to Israeli forces, a finding Israel disputes and says remains under review.