Israeli Documentary ‘NAZA’ on Gaza War to Premiere at Venice Film Festival

A new Israeli documentary examining Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023 is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film, titled NAZA, is directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, both of whom previously worked on the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.

‘NAZA’ Set for Venice Film Festival Premiere

Organisers of the Venice Film Festival announced on Monday that NAZA would receive its premiere at the prestigious Italian film event.

The documentary focuses on Israel’s conduct in Gaza during the war that followed the 7 October attack, placing particular attention on the military systems and decision-making processes behind Israeli operations in the Palestinian territory.

According to the film’s description, NAZA seeks to show “in detail the systems behind Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza”.

The wording reflects the filmmakers’ stated perspective on the conflict and is likely to place the documentary at the centre of wider debate surrounding civilian casualties, military conduct and accountability during the Gaza war.

Title Draws on Hebrew Military Terminology

Meaning Behind the Name ‘NAZA’

The documentary takes its title from a Hebrew military acronym referring to collateral damage.

Its use as the film’s title signals the documentary’s focus on how civilian casualties are assessed and considered within military operations. The subject has attracted intense international scrutiny throughout the conflict, amid continuing disputes over the conduct of hostilities and the scale of civilian deaths in Gaza.

The film arrives as the war and its humanitarian consequences remain the subject of extensive political, legal and public debate internationally, including in the UK.

Directors Previously Worked on Oscar-Winning ‘No Other Land’

Abraham and Szor were two of the four directors behind No Other Land, the acclaimed documentary that went on to win an Academy Award.

Their latest project continues their work examining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through documentary filmmaking, although NAZA turns its attention specifically towards Israel’s actions in Gaza after October 2023.

The involvement of filmmakers associated with No Other Land is likely to bring additional international attention to the new production when it is screened in Venice.

Venice Premiere Brings Gaza Documentary to Global Audience

The Venice Film Festival is one of the world’s most prominent international cinema events, alongside Cannes and Berlin. A premiere there gives NAZA a high-profile platform among filmmakers, critics, distributors and international media.

The documentary enters the festival against the backdrop of continued global debate over the Gaza conflict, including questions surrounding civilian protection, humanitarian access and the application of international law.

Films addressing the conflict have increasingly become part of the wider cultural discussion surrounding events in Israel and the Palestinian territories, with documentary makers seeking to examine experiences and decisions that can be difficult to capture through daily news reporting alone.

With NAZA, Abraham and Szor are bringing their examination of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza to one of international cinema’s most closely watched stages. Its Venice premiere is expected to attract attention both for its subject matter and for the filmmakers’ previous award-winning work.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.