Gaza Documentary 'NAZA' Set for US Release After Israeli Controversy

The documentary "NAZA," which focuses on Israel's actions in Gaza and has sparked significant debate in Israel, is scheduled for release in the United States. The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, will be screened at the New York Film Festival in late September, followed by a wider theatrical release across the US in early October. Abraham and Shore, along with their team, are handling the film's distribution independently, as no distribution company has acquired the rights. The independent rollout is supported by The Guardian and MK2, who served as producers. The film is also slated for screenings in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden, with showings planned in various cities and at festivals. In response to the film's international release, the Israeli Cinema Council issued a statement demanding its immediate screening within Israel, including for council members. The council expressed suspicion that the film might be fabricated and serve Israel's enemies, particularly Hamas, if concealed from Israeli professionals. "NAZA" premiered at the Venice Film Festival approximately two weeks ago, where it received a 24-minute standing ovation, reportedly the longest in the festival's history. The previous record was held by a film about the Gaza war and the death of a Palestinian girl, which the film suggests was caused by IDF fire. "NAZA" recently won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival.