English filmmaker known for psychological dramas and bold visual style
The Guardian-produced NAZA documents 24 anonymous Israeli insiders detailing AI-led surveillance and civilian deaths in Gaza. The film has triggered a government backlash, with threats to strip citizenship from its creators and prosecutions for participants. It has sparked international debate, with broader calls for accountability as screenings roll out in over 50 countries.
Venice Film Festival names NAZA, by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, as the festival’s only documentary in competition. The film, shot at night from Tel Aviv rooftops, examines what the filmmakers describe as Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. It builds on reporting by +972, Local Call and The Guardian, with production by The Guardian and JW Films and executive producing by Jonathan Glazer. The festival runs 2–12 September.
NAZA, an 80‑minute documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won a special jury prize and prompted sustained criticism from Israeli officials. The film presents anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel alleging AI‑assisted targeting and frequent civilian deaths in Gaza; Israel’s defence establishment has rejected the claims and ordered inquiries.
The Venice Special Jury Prize for NAZA has triggered a political firestorm in Israel. Culture Minister Miki Zohar calls to strip the filmmakers’ citizenship, while Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials condemn the film as treasonous. The documentary cites 24 anonymous Israeli insiders and alleges AI-assisted targeting and anticipated civilian casualties in Gaza; the filmmakers say the film seeks accountability.