The documentary 'NAZA' features interviews with 24 Israeli military officers detailing targeting systems used in Gaza, winning a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Key facts
- •The documentary won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
- •Filming took place over three years, with interviews conducted on rooftops in Tel Aviv.
- •The film features 24 Israeli military officers who provided testimony under the condition of anonymity.
- •The IDF stated it categorically rejects the allegations presented in the film.
- •Jonathan Glazer, director of 'The Zone of Interest,' served as the film's executive producer.
The documentary film 'NAZA,' directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 25-minute standing ovation. The film features testimony from 24 anonymous Israeli military officers who describe the protocols and systems they allege are used to target civilians in Gaza. Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, the documentary was filmed clandestinely over three years, using visual effects to obscure the identities of the interviewees.
Allegations Regarding Targeting Systems
The film’s title refers to an acronym used by the Israeli military for civilian casualties. The officers interviewed describe specific operational logics, including a system referred to as 'Where’s Daddy,' which tracks family members to identify when a target has returned home, leading to airstrikes on residential buildings. Other testimonies describe snipers firing at civilians attempting to reach food distribution sites.
Production and Journalistic Collaboration
Abraham and Szor developed the film as an intersection of cinema and investigative journalism, partnering with outlets including The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call. The directors stated that the project builds on investigative work conducted between 2023 and 2025 regarding Israeli mass surveillance and targeting systems. The filmmakers noted that they relied on a large group of sources to substantiate claims regarding systemic targeting of civilian spaces.
Official Response and Reception
In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) rejected the film’s allegations, criticizing the reliance on anonymous testimonies that they stated cannot be verified. The IDF reiterated that it strikes military targets and makes efforts to minimize civilian harm. The film is currently being handled for worldwide sales by Mk2 Films.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Hollywood Reporter.
