Documentary 'Nezah' on Gaza War Crimes Receives Standing Ovation in Venice
Translated & summarized from Local Call by baba
The documentary "Nezah," featuring Israeli soldiers' testimonies on alleged war crimes in Gaza, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a record-breaking 25-minute standing ovation. The film, produced by The Guardian, has sparked debate in Israel, with some dismissing it as propaganda and others calling for an investigation into the claims.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Documentary "Nezah" premiered at Venice Film Festival.
- Film features Israeli soldiers' testimonies on Gaza war crimes.
- Premiere received a record 25-minute standing ovation.
- Israeli reactions are divided between denial and calls for investigation.
- Filmmakers hope to spark internal Israeli dialogue on the war.
The documentary "Nezah," which features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and officers detailing alleged war crimes in Gaza, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 10, 2026. Directed by Yuval Avraham and Rachel Shore, the film, produced by The Guardian, presents stark accounts of destruction and civilian casualties.
Despite an initial subdued reaction from some journalists at a preview screening, the public premiere saw an overwhelming response. The audience remained in complete silence during the 80-minute film, with many visibly moved to tears. Following the screening, attendees gave a record-breaking 25-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film's impact.
While the film is formally an international production, its creators emphasize its deeply "Israeli" nature, noting the direct, unvarnished Hebrew spoken by the interviewees. The testimonies include admissions of intentionally killing civilians, destroying neighborhoods, and shooting hungry Palestinians. The filmmakers suggest that while the film may resonate globally, Israelis will particularly understand the raw, often brutal, language and the cultural context of the accounts.
Back in Israel, reactions to the film have been polarized. Some online commenters dismiss the testimonies as fabricated anti-Israel propaganda aimed at gaining international favor. Others, however, acknowledge the severity of the allegations, with some suggesting that while airing "dirty laundry" publicly is undesirable, the claims warrant investigation. The filmmakers hope "Nezah" will spark a crucial internal Israeli dialogue about the conduct of the war in Gaza, regardless of international awards or reception.
The film's title, "Nezah," is a Hebrew word often associated with "victory" or "eternity," but in this context, it appears to carry a more complex, perhaps ironic, meaning given the subject matter. The filmmakers, Avraham and Shore, were present at the premiere, facing cameras before the screening.
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