Israeli Filmmakers Compete at Venice Festival with New Gaza War Documentary

Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, known for their Oscar-winning documentary "No Land's Man" ("Ein Eretz Acheret"), are returning with a new film titled "NAZA" that focuses on the war in Gaza. The film, which will premiere on September 10 at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, is based on investigative reports from media outlets critical of Israel, including +972 Magazine, Local Call website, and The Guardian. The filmmakers allege that the film exposes a "calculated mass killing" of civilians in Gaza, a claim that has sparked controversy in Israel.

The title "NAZA" references an Israeli military acronym for "collateral damage," referring to unintended civilian casualties during military operations. The film reportedly portrays a one-sided narrative of dispossession and occupation, depicting Israeli soldiers and settlers as perpetrators of violence, while ignoring other perspectives and facts that could challenge this portrayal. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from various Israeli commentators and public figures.

Abraham and Shor previously won an Oscar for their documentary "No Land's Man," which depicted a Palestinian incursion in southern Mount Hebron and stirred heated debate in Israel. Their new film continues to provoke strong reactions, with some accusing it of being anti-Israel and biased. Despite the backlash, the film's inclusion in the Venice Film Festival's official competition highlights its international recognition and the ongoing global discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.