Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham’s documentary, “NAZA,” which sheds light on Israel’s alleged utilization of AI-driven military technologies to target and eliminate Palestinian civilians in Gaza, received an exceptional 24.5-minute standing ovation during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Social media footage captured the filmmakers’ emotional reactions, with Abraham appearing visibly moved, as the audience erupted in applause. This ovation surpasses previous records at the festival, including the reception for “The Voice of Hind Rajab” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
Among those present for the screening were Kaouther Ben Hania, director of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha. Some attendees unfurled Palestinian and Lebanese flags as a symbolic gesture following the screening. Shot clandestinely over three years in Tel Aviv, “NAZA” features interviews with Israeli military personnel, their identities concealed, detailing the alleged use of surveillance systems and AI intelligence to target Hamas militants, even when civilians, including women and children, are present.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have vehemently denied the allegations, stating that decisions to strike are solely human-led and emphasizing efforts to minimize civilian harm. “NAZA,” named after a military acronym for civilian casualties, follows Abraham and Szor’s previous award-winning documentary, “No Other Land.”
Executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, the film has sparked controversy due to Glazer’s previous statements against the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite ongoing criticism, the filmmakers remain steadfast in their portrayal of the systemic issues depicted in the film. Abraham emphasized the ongoing nature of the conflict, highlighting the film’s insider perspectives as a testament to the entrenched nature of the situation.