Israeli Documentary Criticizing IDF Gaza Operations Achieves Global Success
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Israeli documentary "NAZA," criticizing IDF actions in Gaza, has been viewed by over 1.5 million people globally and earned $13.5 million. The film, based on investigations by +972 Magazine and others, features anonymous interviews about AI-driven targeting. Its release caused a political scandal in Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu condemning the filmmakers, while the European Federation of Journalists defended them. The film is set for an international online screening and is nominated for a European Film Award.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli documentary "NAZA" drew over 1.5 million viewers and $13.5 million globally.
- The film criticizes the Israeli military's use of AI in Gaza targeting, alleging civilian deaths.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu accused filmmakers of anti-Semitic incitement, demanding an investigation.
- Minister of Culture Miki Zohar proposed revoking the directors' Israeli citizenship.
- The European Federation of Journalists condemned threats against the filmmakers.
- "NAZA" received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and is nominated for a European Film Award.
The documentary film "NAZA," by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, has become a commercial success, attracting over 1.5 million viewers in 47 countries and generating $13.5 million in international box office revenue. The 80-minute film, which has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli leadership, focuses on the actions of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. Its narrative is based on investigations published between 2023 and 2025 by +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian.
"NAZA" features anonymous interviews with 24 individuals claiming to be soldiers, military intelligence officers, and informants. They discuss the use of artificial intelligence and automated surveillance systems in target selection for strikes. The filmmakers accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, with the faces and voices of interviewees altered to protect their anonymity.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a special jury prize and a 25-minute standing ovation from the audience. It has performed exceptionally well in Italy, ranking as the third most-watched documentary in the country's cinema history. In France, over 82,000 people saw the film during a special two-day release, and more than 83,000 tickets were sold in Germany.
The film's release sparked a political controversy in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the filmmakers of aiding international anti-Semitic incitement and called for an investigation into the soldiers who provided interviews. Minister of Culture Miki Zohar proposed revoking the directors' Israeli citizenship. The IDF published a detailed response to the film.
In response to the Israeli government's reaction, the European Federation of Journalists condemned the threats against the filmmakers, viewing them as an attempt to intimidate journalists. "NAZA" is scheduled for a free international online screening on The Guardian's website in early December and has been shortlisted for the European Film Award for Best Documentary.