The Voice of Hind Rajab Tops Venice 2025 Critics’ Polls Among Italian and International Press

According to CinemaDrame News Agency, The Voice of Hind Rajab has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the critics’ polls at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film earned an average score of 4.1 stars from Italian critics and 4.4 from international outlets including Screen International, The Hollywood Reporter, Le Monde, and IndieWire.

Written and directed by Ben Hania, the film tells the story of a five-year-old girl left in a car who later dies during Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. It incorporates the recorded conversations between Hind Rajab and Red Crescent emergency responders who were attempting to dispatch an ambulance. Cast members include Sajee Kilani, Clara Khoury, and Moataz Malhis. Produced by Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, and Alfonso Cuarón, the film broke the festival’s standing ovation record on opening night with over 22 minutes of applause.

Catherine Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite followed closely with a 4.05 average, while No Other Choice and Frankenstein each earned 3.85 from international critics. At the other end of the spectrum, Leonardo Di Costanzo’s Elisa received the lowest score with a 2.5 average, while most films fell between 3.0 and 3.7.

Top Films of the 82nd Venice Film Festival – International Critics

1. The Voice of Hind Rajab – 4.40
2. A House of Dynamite – 4.05
3. Sotto le Nuvole – 3.85
4. Frankenstein – 3.85
5. Father Mother Sister Brother – 3.70
6. No Other Choice – 3.67
7. Bugonia – 3.56
8. L’Étranger – 3.55
9. La Grazia – 3.55
10. The Wizard of the Kremlin – 3.45
11. Silent Friend – 3.75
12. The Smashing Machine – 3.25
13. The Testament of Ann Lee – 3.25
14. Duse – 3.22
15. Orphan – 3.10
16. Jay Kelly – 3.10
17. Girl – 3.00
18. The Sun Rises on Us All – 3.00
19. À Pied d’Oeuvre – 2.78
20. Un Film Fatto per Bene – 2.75
21. Elisa – 2.50

Top Films of the 82nd Venice Film Festival – Italian Critics

1. The Voice of Hind Rajab – 4.1
2. No Other Choice – 3.7
3. La Grazia – 3.5
4. À Pied d’Oeuvre – 3.5
5. Frankenstein – 3.5
6. Duse – 3.5
7. A House of Dynamite – 3.5
8. L’Étranger – 3.4
9. Elisa – 3.4
10. The Wizard of the Kremlin – 3.3
11. Father Mother Sister Brother – 3.2
12. The Smashing Machine – 3.0
13. Sotto le Nuvole – 3.1
14. The Testament of Ann Lee – 2.1
15. Bugonia – 2.8
16. Girl – 2.8
17. Orphan – 2.6
18. Jay Kelly – 2.5