Israeli Directors Release Counter-Film to "NAZA"

Three Israeli filmmakers have released a documentary titled "NAZA: The Real Story" as a direct response to the controversial film "NAZA," which received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and accused the IDF of systematic violations in Gaza. The new film, by directors Roi Danino, Hagai Gutman, and Ariel Auerbach, features English subtitles and aims to refute and discredit the original film's claims.

Unlike "NAZA," which relied on anonymous testimonies from junior soldiers, the Israeli counter-film presents open interviews with active intelligence officers and frontline commanders. The creators utilize declassified IDF records, combat footage, and captured intelligence data. The documentary focuses on accusations of civilian casualties, examining three key areas: the systematic use of civilian areas by terrorists, the significant operational constraints on troops due to the presence of hostages, and the high risks involved in organizing humanitarian aid deliveries.

The filmmakers argue that Hamas employs a deliberate defensive strategy against the IDF by using civilian clothing, storing weapons in residential buildings, and establishing tactical positions within populated neighborhoods. They presented captured enemy manuals and operational videos as evidence. "This is an offensive film, not a defensive one," stated the directors, emphasizing their goal to shift Israel's position from that of an accused party on the international stage.

Parts of the film were shot under operational secrecy, including nighttime filming on rooftops in Tel Aviv. The identities of some individuals involved with the declassified materials remain undisclosed for security reasons. The original "NAZA" film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is being widely distributed in Europe and the United States. The creators of the counter-film are leveraging digital influencers and international networks to disseminate their narrative to politicians and journalists, viewing the situation as a battle for historical narrative control.