When actor Saja Kilani learned that her debut film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the news felt unreal. “It’s surreal, but I’m so grateful and happy for Kaouther [Ben Hania, the director] and the team,” the 28-year-old Jordanian-Palestinian tells me on a video call from her home in Amman, Jordan.

Kilani’s first leading role, however, is anything but conventional for awards season. She stars in The Voice of Hind Rajab, the transfixing docudrama that has sparked conversation worldwide. Directed by Oscar-nominee Ben Hania, the film recreates the harrowing true story of volunteers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society who stayed on the phone with six-year-old Hind Rajab as she became trapped inside a car with her deceased family members in war-torn Gaza.

Kilani plays Rana Hassan Faqih, a real-life volunteer whose strength and vulnerability she is determined to honour. Now, as the film moves through award season, Kilani sits down with Amaliah to reflect on the film, on Hind and what it means to celebrate Palestinian joy in the midst of grief.

How did you come to be cast as Rana in The Voice of Hind Rajab?

Kauother Ben Hania reached out to my agent, who represents a lot of Palestinian artists. It was an open casting call, but it didn’t reveal what the film was about. I sent in just one self-tape that I felt was my most honest work, and when we heard back, I found out what the film was about. Once I knew it was about Hind Rajab, I had to play Rana.

What has been the most heartwarming reaction you’ve received to your performance?

It’s always so touching when non-Arabs come up to me and are so emotionally charged. They often cry uncontrollably and just want to hug me. It’s people across different ages and backgrounds, and that reminds me of how connected we all are and how similar everyone is. I’ve found reactions from older Arab men and women very touching, as well as young children.

Rana’s reaction is something I’ll never forget. I was scared, but she told me, “You were an ambassador for my feelings.”

It was so relieving, and I’m playing a real person, and she said she felt her emotions were mirrored. I will never forget it.

We often hear stories of Palestinian suffering. What are your favourite ways to celebrate Palestinian joy?

Heritage, food, weddings, music. Everything that makes us – even little things like the scent of oud, which sometimes I hate, and other times I love, but those smells remind me of home and transport me. I love everything that is connected to our culture.

What is your favourite thing about being Palestinian?

I’m proud of our food. A lot of people ask me what my favourite cuisine is, but it is always Palestinian food. I also love our humour, as all of the Palestinians I know are so funny and enjoy laughter. I think, also, our desire to live. I was having this conversation with a friend of mine about how we are people who were born to live, no matter the circumstance. I’m equally inspired by Lebanese people, as, despite the similar destruction to their homes and lands, every time I visit, I see that these people just want to enjoy life, and I find beauty in that.

The Story of Hind Rajab differs from other “based on a true story’’ adaptations; quite frankly, it is the real story. How did you hope to honour this reality through your role?

By showing up and continuing to talk about this film, I give respect to the Red Crescent Workers we portrayed and continue to tell their story. I’m grateful that Kaouther decided to tell the story from their perspective because their side often gets overlooked. I hope to honour this by being true to the work and constantly showing up.

What is something you want the world to know about Rana and Hind?

How strong and courageous they were. Hind, unfortunately, like many children in Gaza, matured a lot earlier than she needed to, and throughout filming, I felt her courage. From her voice to how she built her sentences. For Rana, I find strength in her. She’s still dealing with multiple cases and is active at the Red Crescent, but at the same time, she hasn’t lost her vulnerability, and I find strength in that.

What story or role would you love to take on next?

Bring them on, I’m ready! I don’t know if I have a specific role in mind, but I would love to be a part of something completely different, like a thriller or action film. I enjoy kickboxing and find it therapeutic, but a part of me might be training for a role that hasn’t come yet. Anything that requires stunt work, I’m ready. I’ve also always been inspired by films based on true events, so I’d love to take on a role of that degree because I find that a deeper side of me comes out.

The Voice of Hind Rajab is in UK cinemas now.