Venice Film Festival Adds Naza Documentary | What to Know

Late Addition to the Venice Competition

The Venice Film Festival has officially added "Naza" to its main competition lineup. This documentary arrives as a last-minute inclusion for the 83rd edition of the event. It comes from directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The pair previously co-directed "No Other Land," an Oscar-winning documentary about the displacement of the Palestinian community in Masafer Yatta.

"Naza" shifts focus to events within Gaza. According to the official festival synopsis, the film captures footage shot from rooftops in Tel Aviv at night. The work describes the specific systems involved in the death of Palestinian civilians. It stands as the only documentary feature selected for the main competition section this year.

Production Pedigree and Key Figures

The production involves high-profile figures from the industry. The Guardian produced the film alongside James Wilson of JW Films. Jonathan Glazer serves as the executive producer. This team carries significant weight following their work on the 2023 film "The Zone of Interest," which secured the Academy Award for best international feature.

These filmmakers remain active in the political documentary space. Abraham and Szor gained international attention in 2025 with "No Other Land." That project premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and earned praise for its raw depiction of West Bank geography and human displacement. The addition of "Naza" to the Venice schedule ensures continued focus on their body of work.

Festival Context and Industry Impact

Venice hosts the premiere of "Naza" on Sept. 10 at 5:15 p.m. The screening will take place in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema. Members of the production, along with Guardian journalists and the official delegation, are scheduled to attend. The festival runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 12, when the Golden Lion winner receives the prize.

The documentary enters a crowded field. The competition includes films from directors like Danny Boyle, Werner Herzog, and Casey Affleck. Inclusion in this group signals a major platform for the film during the fall festival circuit. The broader industry impact remains significant as the film directly addresses active conflict zones. This follows a period where festival boards face pressure regarding their selections on politically sensitive topics. Venice remains a central venue for such discourse.