Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary “NAZA” unveiled the alleged use of AI-enhanced military technology by Israel to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and received an extraordinary 24.5-minute standing ovation, setting a new record in Venice’s history.
Footage shared on social media captured the Israeli filmmakers’ emotional reaction, with Yuval Abraham appearing to wipe away tears as the audience erupted in applause. The documentary is based on the testimonies of 24 Israeli military personnel, whose identities are concealed.
According to Deadline, the ovation for “NAZA” surpassed previous records, including the reception for “The Voice of Hind Rajab” at the previous year’s festival and Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” at Cannes in 2006.
Director Kaouther Ben Hania and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha of “The Voice of Hind Rajab” were also present during the ovation. Some attendees unfurled Palestinian and Lebanese flags as a symbol of solidarity.
Filmed covertly over three years in Tel Aviv, “NAZA” sheds light on the Israeli military’s alleged use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas operatives, disregarding the presence of civilians, including women and children, in the vicinity.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) responded to the documentary, rejecting the allegations and emphasizing that decisions to strike targets are solely human-driven. The IDF stated that they prioritize minimizing harm to civilians while targeting military objectives.
Titled after an acronym used by the Israeli military to reference civilian casualties, “NAZA” is a follow-up to Abraham and Szor’s award-winning documentary “No Other Land.” The film has garnered attention for its controversial subject matter and insider perspectives.
Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, “NAZA” has stirred debate, particularly due to Glazer’s previous comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The film highlights ongoing violence in Gaza, where civilians continue to be impacted by the conflict.
Yuval Abraham emphasized the systemic nature of the situation portrayed in the film, stating that it is crucial to expose the realities of the conflict. The documentary aims to provide a unique perspective through insider testimonies, shedding light on the ongoing crisis in Gaza.