New Gaza War Documentary Trailer Sparks Israeli Government Opposition

The first trailer for the documentary film "Nezah" (Eternal), which examines the Gaza war and its consequences, was released Friday by The Guardian newspaper in collaboration with JW Films and MK2. The film, which recently won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, is set to screen at the New York Film Festival.

According to its creators, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, the film was shot over three years in Tel Aviv and focuses on "examining the military systems and mechanisms behind harming Palestinian civilians in Gaza." The production draws on journalistic investigations published between 2023 and 2025 by +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian. Commercial screenings are scheduled in 56 countries starting September 28, with a self-distribution release in the United States beginning September 30, opening at New York's IFC Center. The Guardian plans to make the film available for free on its website in late November.

Abraham and Shore stated the film aims to "examine processes of dehumanization and the functioning of military systems," delving into issues beyond standard journalistic reporting that are not part of public discourse. They recently approached Israeli cinemas to offer free screenings, which Abraham described as an effort to expose Israeli audiences to the film's content despite "violence aimed at its concealment."

In response, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar issued an unusual appeal to Israeli cinemas and cinematheques, requesting they refrain from screening the film, either for free or paid. Zohar asserted the film presents false claims against Israel and the IDF, stating, "While IDF soldiers stand on the front lines defending Israeli citizens, cultural institutions have a public responsibility not to give a platform to claims that harm our soldiers and our country. Freedom of creation does not require providing a platform for lies intended to harm Israel's name in the world." The ministry also indicated it would consider withholding funding from institutions that screen the film.