NAZA Documentary on Gaza Strikes to Premiere at New York Film Festival

The documentary film "NAZA," by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, will be released in cinemas across 56 countries starting September 28. The Guardian, which produced the film, announced that it will be available for free online viewing in November, following its theatrical distribution.

The film, largely shot on rooftops in Tel Aviv at night, features interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel whose identities are concealed. It explores the mechanisms of target selection and strikes in the Gaza Strip, and the calculation of "collateral damage," which gives the film its name.

"NAZA" recently won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, where its premiere was met with prolonged applause. A promotional clip from the film includes an interviewee stating that while he doesn't know the exact number of civilian casualties, there was once approval for up to 500 deaths in a single strike. The IDF has refuted this claim, stating they have never planned, approved, or executed an attack where 500 civilian deaths were anticipated. The military also noted that the interviewee's identity and role cannot be independently verified and that strike decisions are made by humans, not AI.

Abraham announced that the film will be offered for free online viewing due to significant public interest. He expressed hope that everyone will soon be able to watch it, noting that the filmmakers have also approached Israeli cinemas to screen the film without charge. Abraham and Shor stated that threats against them will not impede the film's distribution, and they aim to reach the widest possible audience.

The film is set to have its North American premiere on Saturday at the New York Film Festival.