BUTTERWORTH: The poignant documentary film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, continues to strike a chord with the Malaysian public, recording an impressive 53,000 admissions in just 17 days since its premiere on Jan 8.
Humanitarian activist Zainal Rashid Ahmad, a key advocate for the film’s campaign, said that this milestone is a testament to the work’s ability to convey the Palestinian struggle to all levels of society through a deeply moving and effective lens.
Speaking at the Gema Suara Hind Rajab campaign held at GSC Sunway Carnival in Seberang Jaya today, Zainal highlighted that Hind Rajab has become a vital symbol of resistance.
While the film chronicles the tragic death of a young child, he noted that its broader message serves as a reminder of the core struggle to return Palestinian land to its rightful people.
He expressed hope that ticket sales would surpass the 60,000 mark this week, adding that if cinema operators maintain their confidence in the public’s support, the film has the potential to reach 80,000 views.
Zainal clarified that the target is not driven by profit alone but serves as a benchmark for the community’s support for advocacy and awareness through the medium of cinema.
He extended his gratitude to parents for bringing their children to the screenings, describing it as a crucial effort in educating the younger generation about the realities of the Palestinian plight.
He remarked that while his generation might not witness the full liberation of Palestine, the hope lies with the youth to carry the torch forward.
Malaysia stands proud as one of the first 21 countries to screen the film, which has now expanded to 44 nations, including South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United States.
Zainal pointed out that 2026 marks 78 years since the tragic Nakba on May 19, 1948, and 59 years since the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He attributed the film’s international reach to the consistent strength of the global civil society movement that has championed the Palestinian cause for over two decades.
The emotional weight of the film was echoed by cinemagoer Syed Mohd Ekhsan Syed Ismail, 39, who attended with his family.
He shared that the narrative was so profound that it moved his 11-year-old son to tears.
Despite the deliberate pacing of the story, he noted that the inclusion of the late Hind Rajab’s original voice made it a heart-wrenching experience that even his four-year-old could comprehend.
Currently showing at 51 locations across Malaysia and Brunei, the film also serves a charitable cause.
In a gesture of solidarity, Media Prima Berhad is contributing RM1 from every ticket sold to the Media Prima Palestine Humanitarian Fund, ensuring that every viewer’s presence contributes to the ongoing relief efforts.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
