The Venice Film Festival is shining brighter this year with the voices of Arab filmmakers, who are bringing powerful stories and fresh perspectives to the international stage. For the first time, multiple Arab titles competed across categories, marking a milestone for the region&rsquo;s growing cinematic presence.
Producer Mohamed Hefzy made history by presenting three films from Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Algeria, Hijra, Cotton Queen, and Roqia, further cementing his production company&rsquo;s role in nurturing independent voices across the MENA region.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
One of the festival&rsquo;s most talked-about entries, The Voice of Hind Rajab, recounts the heartbreaking story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a car under Israeli fire in Gaza. The film uses the real emergency call recordings between Hind and Red Crescent volunteers, delivering a raw and emotional narrative that stunned audiences. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film competed in the Orizzonti section, drawing praise&mdash;and even the backing of Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix.
My Father and Qaddafi
Venice also welcomed Libya back to the festival after a 13-year absence with My Father and Qaddafi. In this intimate documentary, filmmaker Jihan K investigates her father&rsquo;s mysterious disappearance under Qaddafi&rsquo;s regime, blending personal grief with a nation&rsquo;s turbulent past. The film&rsquo;s powerful storytelling earned warm critical reception and signaled a bold new chapter for Libyan cinema.
A Landmark Year for Arab Cinema
With multiple Arab films entering Venice for the first time in years, the festival spotlighted a rich tapestry of voices&mdash;political, personal, and cultural&mdash;that are shaping global cinema. This growing recognition underscores the power of Arab filmmakers to tell stories that resonate far beyond their borders.
Read more on Venice highlights:<a href="https://nilefm.com/entertainment/article/12627/venice-film-festival-returns-hollywood-icons-bold-cinema-and-amir-el-masry-s-big-moment"> &ldquo;Venice Film Festival Returns: Hollywood Icons, Bold Cinema, and Amir El-Masry&rsquo;s Big Moment"</a>
Photo Credit: Film Clinic's official page &nbsp; &nbsp;

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