The director of a new film about a 5-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza said at the Venice Film Festival that she wants to give "a voice and a face" to the victims.

"We see that in the global narrative, including in the media, those killed in Gaza are presented as collateral damage. I find that deeply dehumanising," said French-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania ahead of the world premiere of her film "The Voice of Hind Rajab".

"That's why cinema, art, and all forms of expression are so important—to give these people a voice and a face," she added.

The theme of Gaza takes center stage at the prestigious Venice Film Festival after a group of directors and artists called on organizers to condemn the war more strongly.

Ben Hania's film is among the 21 competing for the Golden Lion award. The film tells the true story of a girl who called emergency services asking to be rescued after her family was killed by Israeli forces in a car during an evacuation from Gaza in January 2024.

The film uses the original audio recordings of Hind's phone calls to the Red Crescent.

"This film was very important to me because when I first heard Hind Rajab's voice, I felt something more than just the voice of a child. It was the voice of Gaza itself, begging for help, and no one could get in. It was like a strong desire mixed with anger and a feeling of helplessness—that's what brought this film to life," said the director.

Kawthar Ben Hania is the first female director to represent Tunisia at the 2021 Oscars. | BGNES