The power of dreams and the unexpected paths they can lead us on is a captivating narrative that often unfolds in the most inspiring ways. This is the story of Saja Kilani, a Jordanian-Palestinian-Canadian actress and poet, whose journey from Toronto Film School to the Oscars is a testament to the beauty of ambition and the impact of art.
The Journey Begins
On her graduation day from Toronto Film School's Acting program, Saja received a cake with a prophetic message: "Happy Grad! Next Stop: Oscars!" It was a light-hearted prediction, a gesture of encouragement from a friend, but little did they know how prophetic those words would become.
Fast forward a few years, and Saja found herself walking the red carpet at the 2026 Academy Awards as part of the cast of "The Voice of Hind Rajab." This film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, tells the true story of a young girl trapped in Gaza, and Saja's role as Rana Faqih, a real-life volunteer, carried immense personal and artistic significance.
A Role of a Lifetime
"Portraying Rana was an intimate journey," Saja shared. "Getting to know her on a personal level revealed her courage and resilience. My role was to listen and let that truth guide my performance."
The impact of this role extended beyond the film set. Saja and Rana became friends, and the actress witnessed first-hand the power of art to amplify important stories. "Rana's passion and belief in the film's message is inspiring. She sees the audience as ambassadors, carrying Hind's story forward."
Breaking Silences, Reaching Audiences
As "The Voice of Hind Rajab" gained recognition at major festivals and award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs, its reach expanded beyond its origins. "Seeing Hind's story recognized on such a grand scale is deeply moving. It's a breaking of silence, allowing her voice to be heard by a global audience."
The Impact of Artistic Philosophy
Saja's training at Toronto Film School focused on industry readiness and employability, teaching her to adapt and stay flexible. The pandemic-induced online instruction, initially a concern, became a catalyst for growth, strengthening her writing skills. "It pushed me inward, and that mindset stayed with me on set."
Her poetry, a parallel discipline, deepened her emotional connection to performance. "Writing was my therapy, allowing me to access emotional truth instinctively. It shaped how I approached Rana, helping me listen and feel beyond the lines."
Advocacy Through Art
For Saja, art is advocacy, a means to reclaim narratives and insist on humanity. "There's a responsibility in telling stories like Hind's, but it's one I carry with pride. It grounded my work, giving it intention and truth."
Her time at TFS prepared her for diverse artistic pursuits, including theatre and spoken word performances. Consistently, she uses her art to center Palestinian stories, a philosophy that extends beyond individual projects.
A Prophetic Cake
Looking back at that graduation cake now, Saja sees it as a snapshot of her hopes and dreams, a reminder of the power of ambition and the unexpected paths it can lead us on. "It's a full-circle moment, a beautiful reminder that sometimes our jokes and dreams carry more truth than we realize."
This journey, from Toronto Film School to the Oscars, is a testament to the impact of art, the power of storytelling, and the beauty of ambition realized.
