On Wednesday night, 4 February, I joined around 200 community members and other humanitarians at a special screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab in Newtown, an evening that was as emotionally powerful as it was professionally executed.

The film itself is nothing short of extraordinary.

Based on the real emergency phone call by a young child in Gaza – a true story I am sure you would already know – The Voice of Hind Rajab is confronting, intimate and unrelenting in its humanity. 

Written and directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film centres on little Hind, trapped inside a car surrounded by the lifeless bodies of several relatives after their vehicle came under heavy gunfire from the IDF.

She is shown sitting alone, frightened and wounded, whispering into a phone as bullets have riddled the car – reportedly more than 300 rounds tearing through its metal frame and glass.

The audience is taken inside the Red Crescent emergency call centre, where volunteer dispatchers struggle to keep Hind calm while desperately trying to coordinate a rescue amid the chaos.

Their voices tremble yet remain composed, clinging to procedure while fully aware of the danger surrounding the poor child. 

We also see the paramedics who volunteer to reach her, fully conscious of the risks involved. 

The film portrays the agonising delays, the uncertainty, and the ultimate horror when contact is lost.

I have never been in a cinema where, apart from occasional quiet sobbing, an audience has sat in such absolute silence.

The story is told with restraint and dignity, which makes its impact even more devastating.

This giant portrait of Hind Rajab was unfurled on a beach in Barcelona, Spain, in late January of this year (Photo credit: REUTERS | Nacho Doce.)

Make no mistake about it – the film deserves the Oscar nomination it has received – though the skeptic in me cannot help but wonder whether the western world is willing to honour such a film with its highest accolade.

Before the screening, we were warmly welcomed by the organisers, 

Ushers thoughtfully provided each attendee with a packet of tissues and a bottle of water, a small but deeply touching gesture that acknowledged the emotional weight of what we were about to witness.

The merchandise display was impressively presented, featuring The Gaza Project’s fundraising initiatives, including their well-known Gaza Choc Block – with 100 per cent of profits directed to humanitarian aid. 

The display was professional, tasteful and purposeful, reinforcing that this grassroots initiative is built on sincerity and action.

I would like to sincerely thank The Gaza Project for inviting me. 

This Sydney-based initiative operates on a 100 per cent donation model, ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Gaza. 

The three committee members: Sister Diana Al-Hanouni and Brothers Nidal Abo Roza and Omar Chaar deserve enormous credit. 

What they have built is an amazing example of community mobilisation done with integrity and excellence.

The guest speakers who addressed the audience added depth and context to the evening and their words complemented the film without overshadowing it. 

 Special mention must also go to Bassam and the other volunteers whose courtesy, enthusiasm and professionalism made every one of the 200 attendees feel valued.

Events like this remind us of the importance of storytelling, community, generosity and standing together with purpose.

• If you would like to support the great work being done by The Gaza Project, a visit to their fresh, new look, easy-to-navigate website www.thegazaproject.com.au will allow you to make a donation or to purchase their merchandise. For further updates, follow their socials under the same name.

Free Palestine.