Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary “NAZA” exposed Israel’s alleged use of AI-enhanced military technologies to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film received an exceptional 24.5-minute standing ovation at its premiere during the Venice Film Festival. Video clips circulating on social media captured the emotional reaction of the Israeli filmmakers, with Yuval Abraham visibly moved to tears as the audience applauded. This prolonged ovation broke records at the Venice Film Festival, surpassing previous receptions for acclaimed films like “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
Notable figures like “The Voice of Hind Rajab” director Kaouther Ben Hania and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha were present at the screening and joined the audience’s enthusiastic response. Some attendees even unfurled flags representing Palestinian and Lebanese solidarity as the lights came on, as documented in online videos.
“NAZA” was surreptitiously filmed over three years from Tel Aviv rooftops under the cover of darkness. The documentary features interviews with Israeli military personnel, their identities concealed, revealing alleged use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas operatives, often resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) promptly denied the film’s claims, stating they “categorically reject” the allegations and emphasizing human decision-making in military strikes to minimize harm to civilians. Despite the IDF’s rebuttal, “NAZA” stands as a companion piece to Abraham and Szor’s 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 the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the toll on civilian lives amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yuval Abraham emphasized the systemic nature of the situation portrayed in the film, stressing that the depicted events are not isolated incidents but rather a persistent reality that demands attention and accountability.