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- How the film found a U.S. home without a traditional distributor
- When and where the film will open in the United States
- The real-life event behind the film and how it’s staged
- Festival circuit and critical response that propelled its profile
- Who produced the film and which notable names supported it
- WILLA’s role and its focus on socially driven cinema
- Campaign partners and plans for outreach and education
Kaouther Ben Hania’s harrowing film about a child killed in Gaza is finally coming to U.S. screens, but not through a major studio. Instead, the movie’s backers are taking the reins and bringing the project to American audiences themselves.
How the film found a U.S. home without a traditional distributor
Despite winning Venice’s Grand Jury Prize, the film attracted few offers from U.S. distributors. The team behind the project chose a different route.
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WILLA, the production company, will release the film through its own distribution arm. This move keeps control in the filmmakers’ hands and ensures the release aligns with their objectives.
The decision highlights a growing trend of producers handling distribution to preserve the film’s message and rollout strategy.
When and where the film will open in the United States
Theatrical release begins December 17. New York’s Film Forum and select Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles will host the first screenings.
A wider national expansion will follow, timed to build on critical attention from the festival circuit.
Internationally, the film already played strongly. It opened in Tunisia shortly after Venice. In Italy it reached the top five at the box office upon debut.
The real-life event behind the film and how it’s staged
The movie reconstructs the events that led to the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab in January 2024. It uses original audio recordings tied to the child’s last moments.
The narrative centers on Red Crescent volunteers and their struggle to reach the child under crossfire. The approach blends documentary material with dramatic reenactment.
- Lead performances include Saja Kilani and Motaz Malhees.
- Amer Hlehel and Clara Khoury appear in key supporting roles.
- The storytelling keeps Hind’s voice and the audio footage as a haunting throughline.
Festival circuit and critical response that propelled its profile
The film’s Venice premiere sparked intense reactions. Audiences gave a lengthy standing ovation in the Salle Grande.
Protests and public debate on the Lido framed the screening, adding to the global conversation about the film.
- Venice: Grand Jury Prize and an unusually long standing ovation.
- San Sebastián: Audience Award.
- Middleburg: Audience Award for International Feature.
- Chicago: Silver Hugo Jury Prize.
The movie also screened at major festivals, including Toronto, BFI London, and AFI Fest. Those showings helped secure attention from critics and cinephile audiences.
Who produced the film and which notable names supported it
The production team blends experienced indie producers and award-winning filmmakers. Their credits span documentaries and narrative features.
Principal producers
- Nadim Cheikhrouha — veteran producer on regional narrative films.
- Odessa Rae — Oscar winner and producer known for hard-hitting documentaries.
- James Wilson — Oscar-winning producer with a track record of acclaimed projects.
Celebrities who signed on as executive producers
- Brad Pitt
- Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner
- Rooney Mara
- Joaquin Phoenix
- Alfonso Cuarón
- Jonathan Glazer
High-profile executive producers lent visibility and industry weight to the project, helping it reach festival programmers and advocates.
WILLA’s role and its focus on socially driven cinema
WILLA has been building a slate of films with social relevance. The company has both produced and distributed recent titles.
- Recent productions include Fawzia Mirza’s The Queen of My Dreams.
- WILLA also supported La Cocina and the Sofia Coppola-produced Fairyland.
- The company backed Claire Denis’ The Fence, which is still awaiting distribution.
By using its distribution arm, WILLA aims to protect the film’s integrity and manage a careful release that matches its impact goals.
Campaign partners and plans for outreach and education
Several partner companies will join WILLA for the film’s outreach. The collaborators bring expertise in education and impact work.
- Amed Khan Foundation
- World Within Studios
- Watermelon Pictures
- Common Pictures
- Utopia Studios
These partners will coordinate screenings, educational programs, and impact activities during the rollout.
The film is also Tunisia’s submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars, a move that will add awards-season momentum to the distribution push.
