TFS Grad Saja Kilani Featured in The Hollywood Reporter Following Oscar-Nominated Success
Toronto Film School alumna Saja Kilani’s journey from acting student to internationally recognized actor has been highlighted in a recent feature in The Hollywood Reporter.
The article, From Toronto Film School to the Oscars: Saja Kilani on The Voice of Hind Rajab, explores Kilani’s experience portraying Rana Faqih in the acclaimed film, which received nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and BAFTAs. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, The Voice of Hind Rajab tells the true story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and the rescue efforts surrounding her final hours.
In the Hollywood Reporter feature, Kilani reflects on the artistic responsibility of bringing real stories to the screen and the creative foundation she developed during her time at Toronto Film School.
A graduate of TFS’s Acting for Film, TV & the Theatre program, Kilani said her training helped her build the adaptability and confidence needed to navigate a career in the entertainment industry.
“It taught me to focus on what’s available to me in the moment, instead of what’s missing, and that mindset stayed with me on set,” Kilani shared in The Hollywood Reporter article, reflecting on how her time at TFS – including the transition from online to in-person learning during the pandemic – shaped her approach to performance.
The article also highlights the industry-focused approach at TFS, where students develop practical skills and build experience through hands-on training. Hart Massey, director of the Acting for Film, TV & the Theatre program, said seeing Kilani’s career progress from her time at TFS to an internationally recognized film project has been an incredibly proud moment.
“Watching Saja graduate and start building her career by landing a lead role in a film like this is hard to put into words. You just feel so much pride,” he said.
Kilani’s success is an inspiring example of where creative ambition, industry-focused training and a commitment to authentic storytelling can lead.
Read the full feature in The Hollywood Reporter HERE!
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Kilani is one of many Toronto Film School graduates building successful careers across the film, television and video game industries. Explore more alumni success stories below:
- Film Production grads Fernanda Molina and Daria Lavrova recently won Best Canadian Short at the 2026 Hot Docs Festival. Read their story HERE.
- Writing for Film & TV alumnus Adam G. Levine recently premiered his debut feature, Neglected, in Los Angeles alongside the film’s stars Josh Duhamel and Dylan Sprouse. Learn more HERE.
- Acting for Film, TV & Theatre alum-turned-instructor, Matty McDonald recently landed voice work on major video games including Fortnite and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants. Read his story HERE.
- Graphic Design & Interactive Media alumnus Adam vanLuttikhuizen is now a senior graphic designer for the Blue Jays, responsible for the “Want It All” campaign during the Jays’ World Series run in 2025. Learn more about his work HERE.
- Writing for Film & TV grad Reeth Mazumder has recently worked as producer, associate producer, and writer on Paramount Plus’ unscripted true crime seriesFBI True, PD True, and Holly Jolly Homicides. Learn more about her journey HERE.
- Film Production alumna Zain Duraie celebrated the world premiere of her debut feature, Sink, at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Read her story HERE.
