A New Perspective on Conflict
The documentary NAZA will debut at the Venice Film Festival this year. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film examines Israel’s military strategy within Gaza. The directors previously gained recognition for their work on the 2025 Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. This new project serves as a detailed examination of the systemic approaches used during the ongoing conflict.
Production of the documentary involved collaboration with Jim Wilson and Jonathan Glazer, the creative team behind The Zone of Interest. This film stands as the sole documentary entry competing for the Golden Lion at the festival. It is the product of extensive investigative research conducted between 2023 and 2025. This research effort included direct cooperation between the Guardian and various media outlets.
The Focus of the Investigation
Public statements from the filmmakers highlight the technical focus of their work. The production team filmed segments on rooftops in Tel Aviv to illustrate the mechanisms behind military decision-making. The title itself refers to an acronym used by intelligence personnel to estimate the anticipated civilian death toll during specific airstrikes. The film aims to present the process of these calculations in granular detail for a global audience.
This project builds upon reporting from outlets such as the Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 and the Hebrew-language news site Local Call. The goal is to provide a factual account of actions taken on the ground. By centering the narrative on these specific military frameworks, the directors seek to document the impact of policy on human lives. The approach remains grounded in the data gathered during the two-year investigation period.
Context and Industry Impact
Filmmaking regarding the Middle East has faced significant scrutiny in recent years. Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal, who co-directed No Other Land with Abraham and Szor, experienced personal repercussions following their previous work. In March 2025, Ballal suffered an attack by Israeli settlers and faced a brief arrest. The subsequent response from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences involved an apology regarding their failure to support the filmmaker at the time.
These events underscore the personal risks taken by those working to document current affairs. The selection of NAZA for a world premiere at Venice suggests a continued focus on these topics within the festival circuit. Industry observers often track how these films influence public debate after their initial screenings. The reception of this documentary will likely be measured by how its investigative claims are discussed in the international media.
What happens next depends on the reaction of both critics and the public at the festival. The premiere sets the stage for a broader discussion about the intersection of investigative journalism and cinematic storytelling. Viewers should monitor how institutions respond to the film’s specific allegations regarding military procedure. The inclusion of this work in the Golden Lion competition ensures it will receive significant attention throughout the event.