NAZA Documentary Hits U.S. Theaters Amid Political Backlash

Key points

• The documentary 'NAZA' opens in U.S. theaters on September 30, starting at the IFC Center in New York City.
• The film premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where it received a record 25-minute standing ovation.
• Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film features secret interviews with Israeli military and intelligence personnel in Tel Aviv.
• The film is produced by The Guardian, which will make it available for free online in November following its theatrical run.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Culture Minister Miki Zohar have threatened to strip the directors of their citizenship.
• The film is described as an investigation into the systems of surveillance and targeting used in the war in Gaza.

Background

The release of 'NAZA' follows earlier coverage of its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026, where it drew a record-breaking standing ovation. Previous reports noted that the film, which features 24 anonymous Israeli military sources, has been a subject of intense political debate in Israel, with officials threatening legal action against the filmmakers. The film is a follow-up to the directors' previous work, 'No Other Land,' and is being distributed through a self-distribution plan backed by The Guardian and mk2.

How outlets are covering it

The Film Stage and Deadline highlight the film's critical acclaim and its wide release in 56 territories, emphasizing its status as a significant documentary of the year. The Forward provides a personal perspective from an Israeli viewer, focusing on the societal and psychological impact of the film and the backlash it has provoked in Israel. While The Film Stage and Deadline focus on the film's content and distribution, The Forward emphasizes the political and social reactions to the film, including threats against the directors and the broader implications for Israeli society.

Why it matters

The release of 'NAZA' is significant as it brings a controversial and highly publicized documentary to a wide audience, potentially influencing public opinion on the war in Gaza. The film's content, which includes secret interviews with Israeli military personnel, has the potential to reshape the narrative around the conflict. The political backlash in Israel, including threats to strip the directors of their citizenship, highlights the film's impact and the sensitivity of the issues it addresses.

What to watch

The film will expand to Los Angeles and other key markets on October 9, with a national rollout to follow. The Guardian will make the film available for free online in November. The political and legal battles surrounding the film in Israel are expected to continue, with potential legislation to strip citizenship from those who 'defame' Israeli soldiers.