Award-Winning "Nezah" Documentary to Stream Free Globally

The Israeli documentary "Nezah," by creators Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, will be released in 56 countries starting September 28 and will later be available for free online viewing, the film's production announced Thursday. The filmmakers have also invited Israeli cinemas to screen the film without charge. Following international interest, "Nezah" will be accessible online shortly after its theatrical run concludes, as part of "our commitment to independent and fearless journalism," according to The Guardian, a partner in the film's distribution. The film is set to have another premiere at the New York Film Festival this coming weekend.

Abraham stated that the film will be available online for free in November. "Due to the public interest and importance, Rachel and I decided with The Guardian that the film 'Nezah' will be accessible online for free, without time limit, so that everyone can watch it and the soldiers' testimonies," he wrote. He added that they have offered the film to Israeli cinemas at no cost, hoping for screenings within Israel concurrently with its international release.

Abraham addressed criticism in Israel, asserting that acknowledging atrocities in Gaza does not diminish the "heinous massacre of October 7" for which Hamas is responsible and which soldiers discuss in the film. He described the situation as a positive and healthy crack in the "screen of denial," though it comes with a significant personal cost. Abraham vowed that threats would not deter him and Shore, and they would return to Israel to continue fighting for the country's future. He urged soldiers who witnessed similar events to speak out, emphasizing that "journalism is not betrayal. Criticism is not betrayal. It is the duty of every citizen whose government commits crimes to know, and of every soldier who witnessed them to tell."

"Nezah," filmed during the war and reportedly based on testimonies from 24 soldiers of Unit 8200, examines IDF operations in Gaza and the mechanisms behind target selection and attacks. It includes interviews where individuals allegedly describe involvement in "war crimes and genocide" and discusses the use of artificial intelligence in targeting. The film premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, winning the Jury Prize. Abraham and Shore previously won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2025 for "No Other Land."

The Venice award sparked controversy in Israel. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar called the film "despicable," accused the creators of "betraying the country," and threatened to revoke their citizenship, a move legally unsupported. In response, over a thousand Israeli filmmakers signed a petition supporting Abraham and Shore and condemning what they called a "campaign of incitement." Harry Davies, a Guardian investigative reporter involved in the production, stated that "Nezah" is based on meticulous journalistic work and is a powerful cinematic work that will soon be available globally.

Following the news, Minister Zohar sent a letter to cinemas and cinematheques requesting they not screen the film, arguing it presents false claims against Israel and its soldiers. He stated that cultural institutions have a public responsibility not to provide a platform for claims that harm Israeli soldiers and the country, and that freedom of creation does not necessitate promoting lies intended to damage Israel's reputation.