Israeli Documentary on Gaza Operations Wins Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Israeli documentary "NAZA," exploring IDF operations in Gaza through anonymous soldier interviews, received the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. The film, which also won several other awards, sparked controversy in Israel prior to its premiere.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli documentary "NAZA" won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
- The film features anonymous interviews with Israeli soldiers about Gaza operations.
- "NAZA" generated controversy in Israel before its premiere.
- The film also received multiple other awards at the festival.
- The Golden Lion was awarded to "Woman Unknown."
The documentary film "NAZA," by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, which concluded on September 12. The film, which focuses on the Israeli military's operations in Gaza, was the sole documentary among 21 films competing for the Golden Lion.
"NAZA" is formally a British production, released by The Guardian and JW Films, with Jonathan Glazer serving as executive producer. The 80-minute film features anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel who discuss targeting systems, including AI-based ones, phone tracking, and civilian casualty estimations in Gaza. The filmmakers assert that the film examines principles and procedures of warfare rather than isolated incidents. The title "NAZA" is an acronym used by Israeli security forces for "collateral damage," referring to the estimation of civilian lives potentially lost when targeting militants.
The film's basis lies in investigations published by +972 Magazine, Sicha Mekomit, and The Guardian between 2023 and 2025. Even before its premiere, "NAZA" generated controversy in Israel due to its subject matter and the filmmakers' stated conclusions about the IDF's actions in Gaza.
Premiering at Venice on September 10, "NAZA" garnered significant attention, with audiences reportedly applauding for approximately 25 minutes, a duration noted by Variety as potentially record-breaking for the festival. The film also received the Green Drop Award for its focus on peace and sustainability, and the Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award for best direction for filmmakers under 35. The youth jury awarded it the Cinema for UNICEF distinction, citing its use of interviews and the contrast between Tel Aviv life and Gaza's destruction.
During the awards ceremony, Yuval Abraham highlighted the ongoing conflict, stating, "Seven children have been killed in Gaza in 10 days of the festival. More than 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza during the war." The festival's Golden Lion went to the drama "Woman Unknown" by Danish-Egyptian director May el-Toukh. Best Actress was awarded to Matilda Arcel for "Woman Unknown," and John Malkovich won Best Actor for "Wild Horse Nine."
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