Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary film “NAZA” shed light on Israel’s alleged utilization of AI-driven military technologies to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film made a remarkable debut at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation lasting a record-breaking 24.5 minutes.
Footage shared on social media captured the emotional reactions of the Israeli filmmakers during the screening, with Yuval Abraham visibly moved to tears. The documentary, based on the testimonies of 24 Israeli military insiders, drew significant attention and acclaim at the festival.
According to Deadline, the prolonged ovation surpassed previous records set by acclaimed films such as “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and “Pan’s Labyrinth.” The presence of director Kaouther Ben Hania and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha added to the atmosphere of the event.
Audience members unfurled Palestinian and Lebanese flags in solidarity as the film concluded. Shot clandestinely in Tel Aviv over three years, “NAZA” presents interviews with Israeli military personnel whose identities remain undisclosed. The film alleges the use of advanced surveillance and AI technology to identify and target Hamas operatives, disregarding the presence of civilians, including women and children, in the vicinity.
In response to the film’s claims, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a statement refuting the allegations and emphasizing their commitment to minimizing harm to civilians during operations. The film, named after an Israeli military acronym for civilian casualties, serves as a companion piece to the filmmakers’ previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.”
Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, “NAZA” has sparked discussions and controversies surrounding its portrayal of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The film’s depiction of ongoing violence and civilian casualties in Gaza highlights the filmmakers’ intention to expose systemic issues within the conflict.
Yuval Abraham emphasized that the film aims to showcase the persistent nature of the conflict and the gravity of its impact on civilian populations. The documentary provides insider perspectives that shed light on the complexities and realities of the situation in Gaza.