Palestinian star of Oscars contender ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ to miss ceremony due to travel ban

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As a huge film fan, I was really moved to hear about “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” It’s a deeply affecting documentary telling the story of trying to rescue a six-year-old Palestinian girl during the attacks on Gaza. It’s incredibly powerful work, and it’s going to be recognized at the Academy Awards this Sunday. Sadly, one of the key people involved won’t be there to celebrate with the team, which is just heartbreaking.

Motaz Malhees, an actor in the film who plays Omar, a Red Crescent dispatcher, said he won’t be able to attend promotional events. This is due to President Trump’s travel ban affecting people from Palestine. In an Instagram post, Malhees expressed his pride in being part of a meaningful story, but stated he would be unable to participate in events celebrating it.

“I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship,” he added.

Awards

Kaouther Ben Hania put aside her current work to focus on creating a film about the devastating impact of the war in Gaza, which has earned her an Oscar nomination.

In December, Trump expanded his travel ban to include people with travel documents issued or supported by the Palestinian Authority, as well as those from countries like South Sudan and Syria. This announcement came several months after he unveiled his 20-point peace plan for Gaza, a plan some Palestinians believe has been ignored given the recent attacks involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Look, Malhees acknowledges this restriction is damaging, and I think he’s right to call it out. But what really struck me about his statement was this: they can silence someone’s travel, but they can’t silence what that person has to say. It’s a powerful reminder that ideas have a way of spreading, regardless of physical barriers. He’s essentially saying they can block the passport, but not the voice – and I think that’s a really important point.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” has been nominated for an international award. The film tells the story of Hind Rajab, a young girl in Gaza, using a 70-minute recording of her desperate calls for help. Hind and two paramedics responding to her location were tragically killed in February 2024 during Israeli attacks. The film is set in a Red Crescent call center in Ramallah and focuses on her family’s situation as they were trapped in a car awaiting rescue.

Review

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ re-creates a rescue mission with the real pleas of a terrified girl

The movie recreates a true story with a gripping, single-setting approach, using a terrifying audio recording and strong performances from the cast.

The film earned the grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Even though his film wasn’t recognized at the Oscars on Sunday, Malhees expressed his pride and dignity, saying his support will be with the ‘Voice of Hind Rajab’ during the event.

“Our story is bigger than any barrier, and it will be heard,” he said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not respond to a request for comment right away.

Movies

Leaders of the film academy have apologized to Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of ‘No Other Land,’ for how they first reacted to his detention. This initial response had been widely criticized by academy members, who called it unacceptable in a public letter.

I was really bummed to hear Malhees wasn’t able to be there, but it was so cool to see so many of his friends and colleagues have his back! Seeing support from people like Riz Ahmed, who’s won an Oscar, and Arian Moayed from “Succession” meant a lot.

Ahmed praised the film and its production, saying both were outstanding and would be remembered for a long time.

“You are brilliant, azizam,” Moayed replied to Malhees. “And this is heartbreaking and unjust.”

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2026-03-14 01:31