Dutch Cinema to Screen Controversial "Nez'a" Documentary on October 7

A cinema in Delft, Netherlands, will screen the documentary "Nez'a" on October 7, the third anniversary of the Hamas attack. The film, by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, which has sparked significant controversy in Israel, reportedly "details the systems behind the calculated mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel" since the war began. The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a 25-minute standing ovation and a special jury prize.

"Nez'a," an acronym for "accidental damage," was filmed on Tel Aviv rooftops and features anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel. It has not yet been released in Israel. The screening date coincides with heightened tensions and protests in Israel.

In response to the film's content and upcoming screening, dozens of right-wing activists demonstrated outside the home of Rachel Shore's parents in Savyon, holding signs that read "We denounce the traitors among us." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has instructed officials to advance legislation that would revoke citizenship from individuals who slander IDF soldiers. The IDF's chief of staff has also directed the military prosecution to examine legal actions against the film and its creators, despite not having viewed it himself.

However, Israeli public relations professionals involved in military and foreign ministry outreach have advised a de-escalation of attacks on the filmmakers. Their recommendation, based on internal communications, is to minimize public discourse on the film, fearing that aggressive action against Abraham and Shore could lead to accusations of Israel attempting to silence dissent. This strategy is partly due to the film not generating significant international media attention or official complaints from foreign governments.

In solidarity with the filmmakers, over a thousand Israeli filmmakers, including Ari Folman and Shlomi Elkabetz, signed a petition affirming that "the central role of art and journalism is to hold a mirror up to the society in which they exist." Abraham has urged the public to watch the film, stating, "It is important for our society to look at the actions in Gaza. We will do everything to distribute the film as widely as possible in Israel. I ask all the people attacking us now, who deny what is in the film, watch it."