NAZA Documentary to Open in U.S. After Venice Award
NAZA, an Israeli documentary that won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, is set for a U.S. theatrical release. The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, presents testimony from Israeli military officers alleging systematic targeting of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Its re…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 26, the documentary NAZA premiered at the New York Film Festival, a week before its exclusive theatrical launch at the IFC Center in New York City. The film, which has already earned the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, is poised to enter U.S. cinemas on October 9, expanding to Los Angeles and other major markets before a nationwide rollout.
Who Made NAZA and Why It Matters
NAZA was created by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who previously co‑directed the Oscar‑winning documentary No Other Land in 2024. The duo’s new work is an investigative piece that draws on testimony from 24 Israeli military officers. According to the filmmakers, these officers outline the systems and protocols that, they claim, enable Israel to target and kill Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The film’s title, NAZA, is an acronym used by the Israeli military to refer to civilian casualties. In a statement, Abraham and Szor explained that their motivation stemmed from a sense of responsibility as Israeli journalists to scrutinize the mechanisms behind what they describe as mass killing of Palestinian civilians.
Distribution Strategy and Key Partners
Given the urgency of the film’s subject matter, the producers have adopted an innovative distribution model. The Guardian and mk2, the production companies behind NAZA, have assembled a team of U.S. and international partners to accelerate the film’s release. The Guardian, a British newspaper that also publishes the documentary, will announce further international distribution plans in the coming days.
NAZA’s U.S. premiere at the IFC Center will be followed by a broader release on October 9, with plans to reach other key markets shortly thereafter. The strategy reflects a desire to bring the film to audiences as quickly as possible, given the political sensitivity and the potential for widespread impact.
Controversy and Reactions
The film’s allegations have sparked a fierce backlash from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). In a statement, the IDF categorically rejected the documentary’s claims, criticizing the use of anonymous testimonies that it says cannot be verified. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called the film an “attack on the State of Israel,” arguing that the IDF strikes military targets and strives to minimize harm to civilians.
Despite the IDF’s denials, NAZA has already generated significant media attention. The Guardian, one of the film’s producers, has published several investigative pieces in collaboration with +972 Magazine and Local Call, providing context and evidence that the filmmakers claim support the documentary’s narrative.
What Happens Next?
Following its U.S. theatrical release, NAZA is expected to generate further debate and discussion, both within Israel and internationally. The film’s producers have indicated that they will continue to seek additional distribution opportunities, potentially expanding to other countries in the coming weeks.
As the documentary reaches a wider audience, questions about the veracity of its claims and the broader implications for Israeli policy and international law will likely intensify. The film’s impact on public perception and policy discussions remains to be seen, but its release marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israel‑Gaza conflict.
Key facts
- NAZA wins Venice Special Jury Prize and opens in U.S. theaters
- Filmmakers present testimony alleging systematic targeting of civilians
- IDF rejects claims, calling the film an attack on Israel
- Distribution accelerated by The Guardian and mk2
- Film sparks international debate on military accountability
Why it matters
NAZA’s release brings critical scrutiny of Israel’s military practices to a global audience, potentially influencing public opinion and policy debates about the Israel‑Gaza conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What is NAZA about?
NAZA is a documentary that examines alleged Israeli military protocols for targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
When and where will NAZA be shown?
The film premiered at the New York Film Festival on September 26 and will open in U.S. theaters on October 9, starting at the IFC Center in New York City.
Who produced the film?
NAZA is produced by The Guardian and mk2, with executive production by Jonathan Glazer.
Why is the film controversial?
It presents testimony from Israeli military officers alleging systematic targeting of civilians, a claim that the IDF has publicly denied.
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “‘NAZA’ Israel-Gaza War Doc Sets U. S. Theatrical Release”
