Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” centered on the Palestinian crisis, has secured a place in the final nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September last year to record-breaking standing ovations, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in California, with the final nominations announced on January 22.

Alongside Tunisia’s entry, the category includes films from Brazil, France, Norway, and Spain. Despite submissions from seven African countries, Tunisia is the only one to reach the final list. This marks Ben Hania’s third Oscar nomination, following previous recognition for “The Man Who Sold His Skin” (2020) and “Four Daughters” (2023). She remains the only Tunisian filmmaker to receive multiple Oscar nominations.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” depicts the January 2024 Gaza attack that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives, and paramedics. The film’s executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.