Gaza documentary NAZA to be released online for free
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The Guardian-produced documentary relies on 24 anonymous 'Israeli' military and intelligence personnel alleging the 'Israeli' military's systematic use of AI targeting in civilian-heavy areas.
- Winning the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival prompted 'Israeli' Culture Minister Miki Zohar to accuse the filmmakers of treason, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to propose revoking their citizenship.
Co-director Yuval Abraham announced on Thursday that the Gaza documentary NAZA will be released online for free on The Guardian's website in November. The announcement follows the film’s debut at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize.
Produced by The Guardian, NAZA, a Hebrew military acronym for "collateral damage" (Nezek Agavi), is scheduled for a theatrical rollout in over 50 countries starting September 28. However, no distributors within ‘Israel’, the West Bank, or Gaza have agreed to screen the project.
Co-directed by ‘Israeli’ journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the 80-minute documentary builds upon three years of investigative reporting published in +972 Magazine and Local Call.
Shot largely across Tel Aviv rooftops, the film presents interviews with 24 digitally disguised ‘Israeli’ soldiers and intelligence insiders. The interviewees say that 'Israeli' utilized automated artificial intelligence systems to carry out strikes resulting in systematic civilian casualties.
In a social media statement addressing the criticism, Abraham noted that the project was offered to ‘Israeli’ cinemas free of charge, calling a screening "a brave decision in the face of great violence that seeks to bury it."
The documentary's festival success sparked pushback from ‘Israeli’ officials. ‘Israeli’ Culture Minister Miki Zohar accused Abraham and Szor of treason and called for the revocation of their citizenship. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at stripping citizenship from citizens accused of defaming the military abroad.
Addressing the political pushback, Abraham affirmed that he and Szor intend to return to 'Israel', adding that "the threats won't help" and that they will continue their work alongside local partners.
The film will make its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival before launching its US theatrical run on September 30 at the IFC Center in New York City, preceding its free digital distribution in November.
