Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary “NAZA” sheds light on Israel’s alleged use of AI-assisted military technologies to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film made a groundbreaking debut at the Venice Film Festival with a 24.5-minute standing ovation, setting a new record.
During the premiere, video footage showed the filmmakers looking somber, with Abraham visibly moved to tears, as the audience enthusiastically applauded the film. Based on the testimonies of 24 Israeli military insiders, “NAZA” presents a critical perspective on the military tactics employed in Gaza.
This extended ovation surpassed previous records at festivals like Venice and Cannes, highlighting the impact and resonance of the film. Director Kaouther Ben Hania and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha were also present to witness the audience’s emotional response.
Filmed discreetly in Tel Aviv over three years, “NAZA” features interviews with Israeli military personnel whose identities remain concealed. The documentary highlights the alleged use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas operatives, often resulting in civilian casualties.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have refuted the film’s claims, stating that decisions to strike targets are made by human operators, with a focus on minimizing harm to civilians. The film, named after an acronym for civilian casualties, serves as a companion piece to Abraham and Szor’s previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.”
With executive producer Jonathan Glazer on board, “NAZA” has sparked discussions and controversies surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film’s portrayal of ongoing violence in Gaza underscores the filmmakers’ intention to shed light on systematic issues within the military operations.
Abraham emphasized that the film reveals a continuous and systemic problem rather than isolated incidents, urging viewers to recognize the gravity of the situation. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict, resonating with audiences at the Venice Film Festival.