Tunisian filmmaker Kaoutar Ben Hania made waves at the Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin by refusing to accept the 'Most Valuable Film' award for her work 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' In her protest, she left her trophy on stage, highlighting her discontent with the international political coverage surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly following the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl by the Israeli army. Her protest emphasized that such acts are part of a larger narrative of systematic genocide rather than isolated incidents.

During her speech, Ben Hania poignantly remarked, 'Peace is not a perfume sprayed over violence for power to feel refined and comfortable.' She called for a serious dialogue about justice, emphasizing that true peace can only be achieved when those in power take responsibility for their actions. She specifically highlighted the tragic killing of the young girl, Hed Rajab, as part of a broader context where the Israeli military, supported by major global governments and institutions, continues to commit acts of violence against Palestinians.

Ben Hania's refusal to accept the accolade reflects a growing discontent among artists and intellectuals regarding the complacency of international leaders in the face of humanitarian crises. Her actions serve as a powerful reminder that cultural platforms can also be arenas for political expression, amplifying calls for justice in a conflict that continues to draw international attention.