On the occasion of the Oscar night in Hollywood, we met Francesco Melzi d’Eril, co-producer of the film The Voice of Hind Rajab, candidate for Academy Awards as a film presented by Tunisia. The Oscar of the category was assigned to Sentimental Value, but the film tells an intense and necessary story, able to leave a deep mark and remember how cinema can still be a powerful tool to tell humanity.
What does it mean to be here in Hollywood with an Oscar nomination for the international film?
I’m one of the many producers in the film. I have already experienced similar moments in the past, for example with I am the love of Guadagnino and with Call Me by Your Name. I must say that the most beautiful thing is to feel part, even for a few days, of this great community of filmmakers and artists. Beyond the competition – which in the end is almost a game – it is really special to share these moments with other directors, producers and creatives. It’s a cinema celebration.
How was The Voice of Hind Rajab born?
I was contacted by one of the producers and then Joaquin Phoenix, who is a friend and participates in the project. From there we decided to embark on this adventure together.
What was the biggest challenge in producing a film like this?
The challenges were especially for the director and the main producer, who were directly on the scene. Making cinema is always very difficult: we are all a bit of cowboys. Bringing a movie home is almost always a miracle. I have produced many films as the main producer and I know how enormous the difficulties are. In this case my participation was more collateral, so I don’t want to take credits that belong to others. There were still very delicate moments. It is a politically sensitive film and there have been dramatic situations, as when you had to help Hind’s mother leave her home. Even yesterday there were problems for the entry into the United States of one of the actors, with whom I had already worked in the film 200 Meters. In productions like this the obstacles are always many.
Have there been any difficulties with visas to enter the United States?
Yes, unfortunately. At this time visas for Palestinians to the United States are blocked and this has created several problems. As a result, some people involved in the film could not participate in the Oscars.
The film tells a very strong story. What’s the message you hope comes to the audience?
It tells a difficult situation and a dramatic story, but also brings an important message. Cinema should perhaps more often be a bearer of messages of humanity. Cinema does so often, even if it is not always said that it is heard. But it is important to keep telling these stories.
Have you seen other films that have impressed you these days?
Yes, there is a very nice documentary in competition, Mr. Nobody Against Putin. It tells the story of a young Russian master in a small village of the Urals that documents, with his videos, four years of war with Ukraine and how Russian society has changed. It’s an amazing movie. Looking at it you feel a great closeness and affection for this teacher who risks life to tell the truth. It is a story that gives you confidence in humanity.
What does this experience leave you to the Oscars?
Last night we were at a panel dedicated to international films and it was very interesting. There were many directors, including Jafar Panahi, who spoke of his experience as an intellectual under the Iranian regime. At times like these you really understand how much cinema can be a symbol of freedom. It’s something you feel very strong here at the Oscars and maybe that’s what drives us to keep making movies that have meaning.
L’articolo The Oscars by Francesco Melzi d’Eril, co-producer of The Voice of Hind Rajab proviene da IlNewyorkese.
