Two recently released films offer starkly different approaches to portraying Palestinian experiences. “All That’s Left of You” examines intergenerational trauma and the weight of occupation over an expansive timeline, while “The Voice of Hind Rajab” focuses intensely on the events of a single day.
Generational Struggles and Recent Tragedy
“All That’s Left of You” explores the complexities of family relationships against the backdrop of political turmoil. The screenplay follows three generations of men experiencing Israeli settler violence, and the consequences of those experiences. The film suggests that Palestinians living under occupation face a uniquely difficult inheritance of struggle and trauma.
In contrast, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” centers on the tragic death of five-year-old Hind Rajab. On January 29, 2024, Hind was traveling with her family in Gaza City when their vehicle was struck by an Israeli tank. Hind and a teenage cousin survived initially, and were able to communicate with a dispatcher at the Palestine Red Crescent Society (P.R.C.S.).
A Desperate Rescue Attempt
Dispatcher Omar Alqam and his colleagues at the P.R.C.S. remained on the line with Hind for several hours, attempting to arrange a rescue. Securing approval from the Israeli military for an ambulance proved a lengthy process. Tragically, after approval was granted, the ambulance was shelled as it approached Hind’s location.
Twelve days later, on February 10, 2024, Hind Rajab, her relatives, and two paramedics – Yousef Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun – were found dead at the scene. Hind’s death sparked protests and has become a symbol of the more than sixty-four thousand Palestinian children who have been killed or injured since October 2023.
Differing Cinematic Approaches
“The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is a tightly focused, eighty-nine-minute drama. The film largely takes place within the P.R.C.S. call center, featuring fictionalized versions of Omar (Motaz Malhees), his supervisor Mahdi (Amer Hlehel), and a fellow dispatcher, Rana (Saja Kilani). “All That’s Left of You,” directed by Dabis, spans nearly two and a half hours and employs a more classical filmmaking style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Hind Rajab?
On January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab was in a car with her family in Gaza City when it was struck by an Israeli tank. She and a cousin initially survived and contacted the Palestine Red Crescent Society, but the ambulance sent to rescue them was also shelled, and they were all found dead twelve days later.
How do the two films differ in their approach?
“All That’s Left of You” is a multi-generational story exploring the long-term effects of occupation, while “The Voice of Hind Rajab” focuses on the immediate events surrounding Hind Rajab’s death.
What role did the P.R.C.S. play in the events surrounding Hind Rajab’s death?
Dispatchers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society, including Omar Alqam, maintained contact with Hind and attempted to coordinate a rescue, but faced delays in securing approval from the Israeli military.
Given the differing approaches to storytelling, how might these films impact viewers’ understanding of the ongoing conflict?
