Filmmakers Behind Venice Award-Winning 'N.Z.A.' Face Police Complaint

An Israeli lawyer, Raz Atiya, has filed a police complaint against the creators of the documentary "N.Z.A." (נז"א), which recently won an award at the Venice Film Festival. The complaint seeks an investigation into how military intelligence and testimonies used in the film were collected, and whether any prohibited information was published.

Atiya stated that the complaint targets not only the filmmakers but also anyone who provided information or was interviewed for the documentary. He emphasized the need to examine potential offenses such as the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, citing Section 113 of the Penal Law, and the unauthorized possession or collection of such information by the filmmakers. "An international award does not grant immunity from Israeli law," Atiya asserted, adding that if boundaries were crossed and forbidden information was revealed, the public has a right to know and law enforcement must act.

The film reportedly features testimonies from soldiers and intelligence officers regarding IDF operations during the recent conflict in Gaza. It presents claims about the use of force, target selection, and civilian casualties. The IDF has denied the allegations presented in the documentary.

Atiya's complaint requests a thorough examination of the information's acquisition, the identities of those who provided it, and whether legally restricted or prohibited information was indeed exposed. He stressed that if the investigation finds that the law was followed, this will be determined, but if illegal disclosures occurred, the authorities must intervene.

Currently, this is a complaint filed with the police, and the allegations are made by Atiya. The filing of the complaint itself does not establish that the information in the film is classified, that an offense was committed, or that any of the creators or interviewees are suspects.