Filmmakers Offer "Naza" Free to Israeli Cinemas Amid Controversy

The creators of the controversial documentary "Naza" have decided to release the film online for free in November. Director Yuval Abraham announced that they have also offered the film to Israeli cinemas for free, hoping it will be screened domestically immediately, alongside its international theatrical release. Abraham stated on X that screening the film would be a "brave decision" given the public backlash it has generated. He expressed hope that the free online release and potential cinema showings would allow everyone to see the film soon, given the "huge demand."

Abraham explained that the film was made to spark public discussion about the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the resulting deaths of over 73,000 people, predominantly civilians. He emphasized that acknowledging the horrors in Gaza does not diminish the "criminal massacre" of October 7th, for which Hamas is responsible, and which IDF soldiers discuss in the film. Abraham asserted that ignoring the situation in Gaza was a contributing factor to the October 7th events and that this ignorance continues.

The documentary is based on interviews with 24 anonymous soldiers who detail mass casualties from Israeli airstrikes on targets in Gaza. The claims made in the film's trailer have drawn criticism from the IDF, with sources in the military disputing assertions that strikes on single targets could result in hundreds of civilian casualties.

Politicians across the spectrum have also condemned "Naza," labeling it slanderous and anti-Israel. Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar has requested the Interior Ministry investigate the possibility of revoking the filmmakers' citizenship. American actor Mark Ruffalo, a vocal critic of Israel, shared Abraham's post, informing his American audience that "Naza" would be available for free in November.