Oscar-Winning Directors Premiere New Gaza War Documentary at Venice

Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, known for their Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," have premiered their latest film, "NAZA," at the Venice Film Festival. The documentary, produced by The Guardian, features anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel regarding IDF operations in Gaza during the recent war. The film alleges that the extensive Palestinian civilian casualties were not solely due to isolated incidents but also resulted from established IDF operational methods and policies.

"NAZA," an acronym for "collateral damage," runs approximately 80 minutes and uses disguised voices and faces for its interviewees. It explores claims about the use of technology and artificial intelligence in targeting, the consideration of civilian harm, and the destruction of homes and neighborhoods. The filmmakers state their intention was to examine the "orders, policies, accepted practices, language, and logic" that they believe enabled widespread civilian harm, presenting a critical perspective on Israel's conduct.

Abraham explained that the large number of interviews allowed for a broader picture of the system, detailing how targets were attacked even in civilian settings, sometimes with the prior assessment that hundreds of civilians could be harmed. Shore noted the contrast between nightly interviews on Tel Aviv rooftops and the reality in Gaza, suggesting a societal indifference to Palestinian civilian suffering, with some Israelis openly stating "there are no innocents in Gaza."

The film focuses on Israeli actions following the October 7th Hamas attack, which Israel states involved Hamas operating from civilian areas. Israel maintains its military operations adhere to international law and aim to minimize civilian casualties. Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera called "NAZA" a "groundbreaking" and "politically shattering" work.

"NAZA" was added late to the Venice competition and will contend for the Golden Lion award. It is also slated for screening at the New York Film Festival. The film is executive produced by British director Jonathan Glazer, who previously caused controversy in Israel for his remarks at the Oscars linking the Holocaust to the war in Gaza.