Close Your Eyes Hind: The Making of a Cinematic Tribute to Hind Rajab
The film Close Your Eyes Hind is a poignant cinematic work written, directed, edited, and produced by Syrian-Dutch filmmaker Amir Zaza. The project serves as a narrative reflection on the tragic death of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by the Israel Defense Forces during the invasion of the Gaza Strip on January 29, 2024. The event also claimed the lives of six of her family members and two paramedics who had attempted to rescue her.
Driven by the haunting image of Rajab's smiling face and a wreath of flowers, Zaza sought to use his position as a filmmaker to address the tragedy. Having fled Syria for the Netherlands a decade prior to escape war and subsequently studying at the Netherlands Film Academy, Zaza felt a professional and personal obligation to tell this story.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Director: Amir Zaza (Syrian-Dutch filmmaker).
- Subject: Based on the true story of five-year-old Hind Rajab.
- Production Partners: Abdul Rahman Abdulfattah, Mattar Productions, and Al Jazeera 360.
- Budget: Total production budget of €500,000.
- Philanthropy: Half of the film's proceeds are designated for Rajab's family in Gaza.
- Filming Location: ReadySet Studios, Amsterdam.
The Development Process
The journey to bring Close Your Eyes Hind to the screen was marked by significant financial and political challenges. Zaza initially recruited a small team of four unpaid volunteers, including a college friend who worked as a cameraman. Over ten months, this group grew into a dedicated team of approximately 40 volunteers.
Research and Authenticity
To ensure accuracy, Zaza conducted extensive research, studying all available articles regarding Rajab's death. He established contact with Rajab's mother and other family members, as well as the Palestine Red Crescent Society employee who had spoken with Hind during her final moments. This research informed the screenplay, allowing Zaza to recreate specific scenes, such as the phone calls, exactly as they occurred.
Funding and Crowdfunding
Securing traditional funding proved difficult, as Zaza noted that mentions of "Gaza" often deterred potential investors. After being rejected by 13 production companies, Zaza turned to pro-Palestinian organizations. While he received an initial €2,000 and several smaller contributions, he eventually launched a crowdfunding campaign. The campaign exceeded its €17,000 goal, raising €25,000 from over 600 contributors, primarily Dutch citizens and people of Arab origin.
Creative Vision and Production
Zaza chose to create a work of fiction based on true events rather than a traditional documentary. His goal was to foster deep empathy, placing the viewer inside the car with Hind to imagine her thoughts, fears, and hopes. Through this approach, Zaza views Hind as a symbol for all children in Gaza killed by the Israeli army since October 2023.
Technical Execution
The production featured a specialized creative team, including Tonko Bossen (Director of Photography), Klaudia Schenkels (Production Design), Quincy Vlijtig (Sound Designer), and Rami Al Maghrbel (Composer). Principal photography took place in December 2024 at ReadySet Studios in Amsterdam, where the environment surrounding the car was meticulously recreated using 3D technology.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Creative | Amir Zaza |
| Production Team | ~40 Volunteers |
| Crowdfunding Total | €25,000 |
| Total Budget | €500,000 |
| Filming Date | December 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the film Close Your Eyes Hind about?
The film is based on the life and death of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed on January 29, 2024, during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip.
Why did Amir Zaza choose fiction over a documentary?
Zaza wanted the audience to sympathize with Hind's internal thoughts and feelings, imagining her emotions and experiences inside the car to create a more intimate emotional connection.
How was the film funded?
The film was funded through a combination of contributions from pro-Palestinian organizations and a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised €25,000 from over 600 people.
Where was the movie filmed?
Principal photography was conducted at ReadySet Studios in Amsterdam, utilizing 3D recreation for the environment surrounding the car.
What will happen to the proceeds of the film?
Amir Zaza has stated that half of the proceeds from the film will be given to Hind Rajab's family, who remain in Gaza.