News February 24, 2026 at 4:39 pm

Kaouther Ben Hania Rejects Berlin Award for the Voice of Hind Rajab Over Gaza

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania recently made waves at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin, making a powerful statement by refusing a prestigious award. Her documentary, The Voice of Hind Rajab, was honored, but Ben Hania chose to leave the accolade behind as a poignant protest regarding the situation in Gaza.

A Bold Stand in Berlin

On February 16, 2026, the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin witnessed a truly unforgettable moment when Kaouther Ben Hania, the acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker, declined the “Most Valuable Film” award. This significant honor was bestowed upon her powerful documentary, The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film that has clearly resonated deeply. However, Ben Hania’s decision to reject the award was a deliberate and impactful act, drawing global attention to her unwavering stance. She used the high-profile platform to voice her profound concerns, ensuring her message was heard loud and clear amidst the glitz and glamour of the event.

Her Powerful Message

Ben Hania’s speech was direct and uncompromising, delivering a message that echoed through the hall. She declared, “I refuse to let their deaths become a backdrop for a polite speech about peace. Not while the structures that enabled them remain untouched.” With these powerful words, she made it clear that her refusal was not a rejection of the film’s merit but a protest against inaction. She firmly stated, “So tonight, I will not take this award home. I leave it here as a reminder.” Her commitment to justice was further emphasized by her condition for acceptance: “And when peace is pursued as a legal and moral obligation rooted in accountability for genocide, then I will come back and accept it with joy.”

A Reminder for Justice

The filmmaker’s decision to leave the award behind serves as a potent symbol, a constant “reminder” of the urgent need for accountability and genuine peace. Her protest extends beyond a simple refusal, challenging the very “structures that enabled them” and demanding a deeper commitment to justice. By rejecting the award, Ben Hania highlighted her strong opposition to Germany’s perceived support for Israel and underscored the critical need for justice in Gaza. Her actions at the gala were a powerful call for the international community to address the situation with moral and legal obligation, ensuring that the pursuit of peace is genuinely rooted in accountability for genocide.

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