NAZA Documentary to Stream Free on The Guardian After Global Theatrical Run

Key points

• NAZA will be available for free streaming on The Guardian’s website in November after its theatrical run in over 50 countries.
• The 80-minute documentary features anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel, detailing the use of an AI system called Lavender to target civilians.
• The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and is premiering in the US at the New York Film Festival on September 26.
• Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Culture Minister Miki Zohar, have threatened to strip the directors of their citizenship, calling the film treasonous.
• Critics have raised concerns about the film’s reliance on anonymous sources and its lack of focus on the October 7 attacks, while supporters argue it reveals a systemic pattern of civilian killings.

Background

NAZA builds on earlier reporting by Yuval Abraham, who published articles in 2023 and 2024 detailing Israeli military policies in Gaza. The film, co-directed with Rachel Szor, is produced by The Guardian and executive produced by Jonathan Glazer. It follows the directors’ previous work, including the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. The film’s release comes amid ongoing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders accusing Israel of genocide.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and Deadline emphasize the film’s global reach and the political backlash in Israel, including threats to revoke the directors’ citizenship. The New Yorker provides a detailed analysis of the film’s content, highlighting the use of AI systems and the emotional impact of the anonymous interviews. The Forward offers a personal perspective from an Israeli viewer, focusing on the societal implications of the film and the backlash it has provoked. Some critics, including certain Israeli journalists, have questioned the film’s reliance on anonymous sources and its lack of focus on the October 7 attacks, while supporters argue it reveals a systemic pattern of civilian killings.

Why it matters

NAZA’s release highlights the ongoing debate over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the role of AI in warfare. The film’s global reach and free streaming on The Guardian’s website aim to spark public discussion and international pressure. The political backlash in Israel, including threats to revoke the directors’ citizenship, underscores the sensitivity of the topic and the challenges faced by journalists and filmmakers in reporting on the conflict.

What to watch

NAZA will premiere in the US at the New York Film Festival on September 26 and open in theaters in 56 territories starting September 28. The film will be available for free streaming on The Guardian’s website in November. The Israeli government is expected to pursue legislation to revoke the citizenship of anyone who 'defames' Israeli soldiers, potentially targeting the directors of NAZA.