Filmmakers Behind Controversial 'NAZA' Documentary Revealed

A Ynet profile on September 14 sheds light on Rachel Shore and Yuval Abraham, the creators of the controversial documentary "NAZA" (Collateral Damage). The film, which features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers discussing IDF actions during the Gaza war, including the use of AI and policies on collateral damage, has drawn significant attention and criticism.

Shore, 32, a historian by training, and Abraham, 31, a journalist and activist, previously collaborated on "No Other Land," which won an Oscar in 2025. "NAZA," a British project produced by The Guardian, has garnered acclaim, including at the Venice Film Festival, but has also led to threats against the filmmakers. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has labeled the directors "traitors" and suggested revoking their Israeli citizenship, though legal precedent for such a measure based on artistic expression is limited.

"NAZA" explores testimonies from soldiers, some alleging involvement in war crimes and genocide, which Shore and Abraham interpret as evidence of systemic policy rather than isolated incidents. The film, shot on rooftops in Tel Aviv, was not funded by Israeli entities, with The Guardian playing a direct production role.

Shore, who describes herself as a historian who learned filmmaking on the job, emphasizes a collaborative approach with Abraham, handling directing, cinematography, and editing together. Abraham, who studied linguistics and documentary filmmaking, has a background in journalism, translation, and activism, including co-founding the platform "Across the Wall" to share Gaza residents' stories with Israelis.

Abraham's activism has led to personal and familial conflicts, including threats and protests against his family after a speech at the Berlin Film Festival. He has since acknowledged the importance of mentioning Israeli hostages in Gaza, which he did when accepting the Oscar for "No Other Land." Both filmmakers view their work as a tool for activism, aiming to expose systemic issues through documentary filmmaking.