Protest Erupts at New York Premiere of Gaza War Documentary 'NAZA'

The North American premiere of the documentary film "NAZA" (Collateral Damage) by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore took place on Saturday, September 26, at the New York Film Festival. The screening at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center was sold out. The film had previously received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Outside Lincoln Center, a protest organized by the Israeli-American Council took place. Participants demonstrated against the film's portrayal of the Gaza war, arguing that the filmmakers did not sufficiently consider the context of Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. Mobile LED screens displayed footage from the October 7 massacre, including videos taken by the terrorists themselves.

Over 50 people participated in the protest, including survivors of the Nova music festival attack. Demonstrators holding Israeli flags and signs urging people to "know the facts" about October 7 were present. One vehicle displayed a message calling "NAZA" "propaganda masquerading as documentary."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously rejected the film's main assertions. Following the screening, Abraham and Shore addressed the audience. Abraham stated that the use of anonymous sources was necessary for the journalistic investigation and called potential threats of punishment against the filmmakers "the criminalization of journalism."

Regarding criticisms about the October 7 attack, Abraham emphasized that Hamas's assault is mentioned and condemned in the film, but he believes it cannot justify the deaths of civilians in Gaza. The filmmakers intend to make the film available for free online viewing after its international festival run.