Creators to Release Controversial Gaza Film 'Nez'A' Online for Free

The filmmakers behind the documentary 'Nez'A' have announced their decision to make the film available for free online viewing indefinitely, in collaboration with The Guardian newspaper. Director Yuval Avraham stated that he and co-creator Rachel Shore aim to allow the Israeli public to access the film's content despite what he described as "violence aimed at its suppression." The film is slated for online release in November. Concurrently, the creators have offered to screen the film at Israeli cinemas free of charge, alongside its international theatrical distribution.

In response, Israel's Minister of Culture, Miki Zohar, has unusually urged cinemas and cinematheques not to screen the film, either for free or with a fee. Zohar asserted that the film presents false claims against Israel and its soldiers, arguing that cultural institutions have a public responsibility not to provide a platform for accusations that harm Israeli soldiers and the state, stating, "Freedom of creation does not require providing a stage for lies intended to damage Israel's name in the world."

The film 'Nez'A' is based on a three-year journalistic investigation featuring testimonies from 24 soldiers. According to the creators, its purpose is to "spark public discussion regarding the government and military's actions in Gaza, focusing on the rules of engagement, harm to civilians, and infrastructure destruction." Avraham emphasized that the film's details have been verified.

Addressing criticism since the film's win at the Venice Film Festival, Avraham clarified that exposing events in Gaza does not diminish the severity of Hamas's October 7th massacre. He argued that ignoring Gaza's situation contributed to the events of that day. Avraham also defended the filmmakers against accusations of treason, stating, "Journalism is not treason and criticism is not treason. It is the duty of every citizen whose government commits crimes to know, and of every soldier who witnessed them to tell."

Despite reports of threats and personal costs to the filmmakers, Avraham affirmed their intention to return to Israel soon and continue their work, stating, "The threats will not help, they do not deter us." The filmmakers have also faced calls from some officials to have their citizenship revoked or funding cut if the film is screened.