Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham premiered their documentary film “NAZA” at the Venice Film Festival, focusing on Israel’s use of AI technology in military operations targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film received a remarkable 24.5-minute standing ovation, setting a record at the festival. Video clips shared on social media captured the emotional reaction of the filmmakers as the audience applauded the film based on testimonies from 24 Israeli military sources.
According to reports, the ovation for “NAZA” exceeded previous records, surpassing the 24-minute applause for “The Voice of Hind Rajab” at last year’s festival and the 22-minute reception for 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 screening.
During the screening, some audience members displayed Palestinian and Lebanese flags as a symbol of solidarity. The documentary, filmed secretly over three years in Tel Aviv, features interviews with Israeli military personnel whose identities are concealed. The film alleges the use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas operatives, even in civilian-populated areas.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) responded to the film’s claims by stating they reject the allegations, emphasizing that human decisions drive their military actions, with a focus on minimizing harm to civilians. The film’s title, “NAZA,” derived from an Israeli military term for civilian casualties, serves as a follow-up to the filmmakers’ previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.”
Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, “NAZA” has garnered attention for its controversial subject matter. The film sheds light on ongoing conflicts and violence in Gaza, highlighting the civilian toll and the continuous loss of life in the region. Abraham emphasized the film’s importance in revealing systemic issues and providing insider perspectives on the situation.
The documentary’s impact at the Venice Film Festival and the conversations it has sparked underscore the relevance and significance of addressing complex geopolitical issues through the medium of film.