Israeli Documentary 'NAZA' Wins Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival
The documentary film "NAZA," a co-production between the UK and other countries created by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, received the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice Film Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The film was the sole documentary among 21 entries competing for the Golden Lion.
Formally released by the British side with participation from The Guardian and JW Films producer James Wilson, the film's executive producer is Jonathan Glazer. The 80-minute film focuses on the actions of the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip, drawing on anonymous interviews with 24 soldiers and intelligence personnel. It examines the target selection systems used, the employment of artificial intelligence, and the assessment of collateral damage. The title "NAZA" refers to a military abbreviation for assessing potential civilian casualties.
The project is based on investigative materials previously published by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and "Sihá Mekomit." The film premiered on September 10, receiving a record-breaking 25-minute standing ovation from the audience, surpassing last year's reception for the film "Hind's Notebook," according to the Associated Press.
Prior to the main competition awards, "NAZA" also secured the Green Drop Award and the Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award, and the youth jury honored it with the Cinema for UNICEF mention. During the awards ceremony, Yuval Abraham spoke about civilian and journalist casualties in conflict zones.
The festival's top prize, the Golden Lion, was awarded to the drama "The Unknown Woman" by Danish-Egyptian director May el-Toukhy.
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