Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary “NAZA” has created a buzz at the Venice Film Festival for shedding light on Israel’s alleged use of AI-driven military technology to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film received an unprecedented 24.5-minute standing ovation at its premiere, surpassing previous records at the festival.
Footage from the event captured the emotional reaction of the filmmakers, with Yuval Abraham visibly moved to tears as the audience showed their appreciation. The documentary is based on the accounts of 24 Israeli military personnel whose identities remain anonymous.
“NAZA” was clandestinely filmed over three years in Tel Aviv, revealing Israeli military tactics in identifying and striking alleged Hamas targets, even if civilian families, including women and children, were present. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have refuted the allegations, stating that decisions to strike are made by human operators and that they make extensive efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
The film’s title, “NAZA,” is derived from an Israeli military term for civilian casualties and serves as a follow-up to the filmmakers’ previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.” Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, the film has sparked controversy for its critical stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite the IDF’s denial and criticism of the documentary, the filmmakers stand by their work, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the issues portrayed in “NAZA.” Yuval Abraham highlighted the systemic nature of the conflict, stating that the film showcases insider perspectives that reveal the entrenched challenges faced by civilians in Gaza.
The documentary has reignited discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing attention to the human cost of the ongoing violence in the region.