Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary “NAZA” has made a significant impact at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a remarkable 24.5-minute ovation. The film sheds light on Israel’s purported use of AI technology in military operations targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. During the premiere, video footage captured the emotional reactions of the Israeli filmmakers as the audience erupted in applause. The film is based on testimonies from 24 Israeli military insiders, with their identities kept anonymous.
According to reports, the ovation for “NAZA” sets a new record at the Venice Film Festival, surpassing previous records set by acclaimed films such as “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and “Pan’s Labyrinth.” The directors of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” Kaouther Ben Hania, and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha, were also present during the screening.
Shot clandestinely over three years in Tel Aviv, “NAZA” features interviews with Israeli military personnel discussing the alleged use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas operatives, often resulting in civilian casualties. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have vehemently denied these allegations, stating that decisions to strike are made by humans, emphasizing their efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
The film’s title, “NAZA,” is derived from an Israeli military acronym for civilian casualties, serving as a companion piece to Abraham and Szor’s previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.” Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, the film has sparked controversy following its premiere, with its portrayal of the ongoing conflict in Gaza drawing attention to the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The filmmakers aim to highlight the systemic nature of the conflict, challenging perceptions and providing insider perspectives on the situation. With ongoing violence in Gaza, the documentary underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and the need for a resolution to the longstanding conflict.
