Motaz Malhees: A Rising Actor and Voice in Contemporary Cinema

Motaz Malhees is a name that has recently come into focus within the cinematic world, particularly through his involvement in the poignant and critically acclaimed film The Voice of Hind Rajab. Though detailed personal information remains limited, what emerges clearly is his identity as a Palestinian actor with a connection to the UK, whose work contributes to telling urgent stories rooted in contemporary geopolitical realities. This profile unpacks the layers of his public and professional life as reflected in available sources, offering a comprehensive view of who he is, what he represents, and why his presence matters in today’s film landscape.

Background and Identity

Motaz Malhees is identified in several film and media sources as a Palestinian actor originally from Jenin, a city in the West Bank. While his exact birth date and biographical details are not publicly documented, his background as a Palestinian provides a significant cultural and political context to his work. There is a connection to the UK as well, where he appears to be based or at least active professionally, suggesting a diasporic identity that bridges the Middle East and Europe. This duality enriches his perspective and likely informs his artistic choices.

His role in The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film that has drawn international attention, indicates a person deeply engaged in narratives that explore the Palestinian experience, particularly through the lens of personal and collective trauma. Motaz’s participation in this film aligns him with a broader movement of artists who use cinema as a platform to highlight stories from conflict zones and marginalized communities.

Career and Roles

While comprehensive details about Motaz Malhees’s full career trajectory are scarce, the evidence shows that his most prominent and publicly recognized role is his performance as Omar in The Voice of Hind Rajab. This film, directed by Kaouther ben Hania, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025 and received a remarkable 23-minute standing ovation, signaling the powerful impact of both the film and its cast.

In The Voice of Hind Rajab, Motaz Malhees portrays Omar A. Alqam, an emergency center responder, a role that demands emotional depth and a nuanced performance given the film’s intense subject matter. His acting alongside other noted Palestinian actors such as Saja Kilani and Amer Hlehel situates him within a professional environment dedicated to authentic storytelling.

Although specific past roles, affiliations with acting companies, or other projects are not documented in the available sources, Motaz’s involvement in such a high-profile film festival and a film of this stature suggests a career path focused on meaningful, socially conscious cinema. His active presence in both Palestine-related narratives and the UK film context indicates a potentially growing career bridging these worlds.

Public Presence and Reputation

Motaz Malhees’s public presence is largely tied to his role in The Voice of Hind Rajab, which has been widely covered by respected media outlets such as The Guardian and the BBC. His performance and the film itself have been described as “fierce,” “urgent,” and “heart-shattering,” underscoring the emotional intensity and critical acclaim associated with his work.

At the Venice Film Festival in 2025, Motaz was visibly active and engaged, notably holding up a picture of the late Hind Rajab, a gesture that resonated with audiences and the press alike. This act and his participation at the premiere demonstrate a commitment not only to his craft but to the memory and message of the film’s subject.

On social media, Motaz has shared posts related to the film and its themes, including tagging accounts connected to Hind Rajab, which further evidences his dedication to the cause and the personal nature of the material he works with. Although he is not a widely known celebrity with a large public following, within the circles concerned with Palestinian narratives and independent film, he is gaining recognition.

Key Contributions and Impact

Motaz Malhees’s most significant contribution to date is his role in The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film that sheds light on the life and tragic death of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian woman whose story symbolizes broader issues of conflict, resilience, and the human cost of political strife. Playing Omar, a character intricately tied to the film’s emotional core, Motaz helps humanize and dramatize real-life events, contributing to global awareness and empathy.

The film’s reception — including a record-breaking ovation at Venice — speaks to the power of the story and the performances, with Motaz’s work helping to elevate the discussion around the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the experiences of Palestinians. His artistic choices reflect a commitment to projects that are not only artistically challenging but socially urgent.

By participating in this film, Motaz Malhees has positioned himself as an actor willing to engage with difficult truths and amplify marginalized voices, making a meaningful impact both within the film industry and in the broader cultural conversation surrounding Palestine and the Middle East.

Most Relevant Links

• The Guardian review of The Voice of Hind Rajab – Discusses Motaz Malhees’s role and the film’s intense, provocative nature.
• BBC article on The Voice of Hind Rajab’s record ovation – Highlights the film’s reception and Motaz holding a photo of Hind Rajab.
• Guardian coverage of the Venice Film Festival premiere – Includes quotes from Motaz and details of the film’s success.
• UK Film Review on The Voice of Hind Rajab – Offers a critical perspective on the film and Motaz’s performance.
• Instagram post by Motaz Malhees – Demonstrates his personal engagement with the film’s subject and its legacy.

Confidence and Ambiguity

The available information strongly suggests that all references to Motaz Malhees in connection with The Voice of Hind Rajab pertain to the same individual — a Palestinian actor active around 2025. There are no indications of multiple people with this name involved in similar fields or events. However, outside of this role and the film, there is limited data on other aspects of his life or career, which constrains the depth of the profile.

Given the consistent linking of Motaz Malhees to the film and no contradictory information, the confidence level is high that these sources describe one person. The scarcity of detailed personal or professional history beyond this project means that any broader career or biographical narrative remains speculative without further evidence.

Conclusion

Motaz Malhees emerges as a compelling figure within contemporary Palestinian and UK-linked cinema, primarily through his role in The Voice of Hind Rajab. His work exemplifies a commitment to telling stories that matter, rooted in the realities of conflict and human resilience. While much about his life and career remains under the radar, his growing presence in socially conscious film projects positions him as an actor to watch in the coming years. As the film continues to reach audiences worldwide, Motaz Malhees’s voice and performance resonate as part of a vital cultural dialogue.