Oscar-Winning Directors Premiere New Gaza War Documentary at Venice

Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, known for their Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," have premiered their new film, "NAZA," at the Venice Film Festival. The documentary, produced by The Guardian, features anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel regarding the IDF's conduct during the war in Gaza.

The film, approximately 80 minutes long, uses disguised voices and faces to present claims 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," explores the use of technology and artificial intelligence in targeting, the consideration of civilian harm, and allegations of attacks on private homes and widespread destruction in Gaza.

Abraham and Szor stated their intention was to examine the "orders, policies, accepted practices, language, and logic" that they believe enabled widespread civilian harm. The film focuses on Israeli actions following the October 7th Hamas attack, while acknowledging Israel's position that Hamas operates within civilian areas and that the IDF adheres to international law. The filmmakers highlighted interviews with soldiers from elite units, some of whom identified as left-wing, suggesting they might be responsible for significant casualties.

Abraham expressed hope for investigations and accountability, suggesting that external pressure from the US and EU might be necessary. Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera called the film "groundbreaking" and "politically shattering." The documentary, which took three years to produce, was a late addition to the Venice competition and will also screen at the New York Film Festival. British director Jonathan Glazer, an executive producer, previously caused controversy in Israel with his Oscar speech linking the Holocaust to the Gaza war.