The much discussed documentary "NAZA," created by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is set to be released to a wider audience shortly. The film's production team announced Thursday that the movie, made in partnership with the British newspaper The Guardian, will roll out in 56 countries starting September 28. Alongside its global theatrical release, the filmmakers are also offering to let cinemas in Israel screen it without charging a licensing fee.
Beyond the commercial screenings, The Guardian confirmed that shortly after the international screening run, the film will be available to watch for free online. "As part of our commitment to fearless, independent journalism," the production team said, explaining the decision to open the work to all internet users. The film is set to hold its American premiere at the New York Film Festival this weekend.
Acknowledging the atrocities doesn't diminish the massacre
Yuval Abraham, one of the film's two creators, addressed the move in a post he published on X and noted that the film will go online during November. "Because of the public interest and importance, Rachel and I decided together with The Guardian that the film 'NAZA' will be accessible online for free, with no time limit, so that everyone can watch it and the soldiers' testimonies," Abraham wrote.
Abraham also used the post to respond to the harsh criticism directed at the film in Israel, writing, "Acknowledging the atrocities in Gaza doesn't diminish for a moment the criminal massacre of October 7, for which Hamas is responsible... and which has no justification." He added that "for the first time, something has cracked in the screen of denial – and that is a positive and healthy thing, which comes with a great personal cost."
Political storm and testimonies from Unit 8200
"NAZA" addresses IDF activity in the Gaza Strip and is based, according to the creators, on testimonies from 24 service members in Unit 8200. The film examines strike-approval mechanisms and the alleged use of artificial intelligence in selecting targets, and includes serious allegations from the interviewees.
The film recently won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, a win that sparked sharp reactions in Israel's political establishment. Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar called the film "despicable" and even declared that he would work to revoke the creators' citizenship, a move that drew a petition of support for Abraham and Szor signed by more than a thousand film industry professionals. Abraham and Szor previously won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for their earlier work, "No Other Land."
"The threats won't help. It doesn't deter us," Abraham concluded in the post he wrote. "Rachel and I will return to the country and keep fighting for the future of this place... Journalism is not betrayal. Criticism is not betrayal."
