Anti-Israel Film Tops Italian Box Office, Outearning Hollywood Blockbuster

An anti-Israel film titled "Nezah" has unexpectedly become a box office hit in Italy, surpassing major Hollywood productions. The film, which reportedly presents the IDF's operations in Gaza through vague testimonies from disguised Israeli intelligence personnel, has topped the Italian box office charts, beating out Marvel and Disney's "Avengers: Endgame - The Final Chapter." Initially scheduled for a three-day run, the film's screenings have been extended due to high demand and sold-out theaters across the country.

On its opening day, "Nezah" grossed 451,872 euros (approximately 1.56 million shekels), with an average of 1,153 euros per cinema. By the end of its third day, its revenue neared 1 million euros (about 3.45 million shekels). In comparison, the re-release of "Avengers" earned 356,000 euros during the same period.

Audience reactions have been mixed. In some cinemas, viewers waved Palestinian flags and applauded, while others observed complete silence. "The audience was in shock during the viewing," reported one cinema employee in Rome. The film's screenings have been extended for at least another week in its current locations, with over 150 cinemas nationwide extending its run.

The film's success occurs against a backdrop of significant pro-Palestinian protests in Italy over the past three years, some of which have involved violent clashes, arson, and confrontations with police. These demonstrations have included blockades of ports and train stations, and political marches that devolved into violent altercations with antisemitic slogans.