NAZA reaches the US — what awaits the film after the scandal in Israel

The documentary "NAZA" about Israel's actions in Gaza, which won a prize in Venice, will be shown at the New York Film Festival and in US theaters. The independent distribution is organized by the filmmakers with support from The Guardian and MK2. In Israel, the Film Council demands an immediate screening, suspecting the film is fabricated and serves Israel's enemies.

The documentary "NAZA," focusing on Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, continues to stir public controversy. The film, which received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, is preparing for screenings in the US. According to Variety, the film will be shown at the New York Film Festival in late September, and in early October it will be released in other theaters across the country. Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor organized independent distribution—no distribution company acquired the rights. The independent release is supported by British The Guardian and French MK2. Screenings are also planned in the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. In Israel, the Film Council under the Ministry of Culture demanded an immediate screening, including for council members. The council's statement said: "Concealing the film from professional circles in Israel strengthens the suspicion that it is a fabricated film that serves Israel's enemies, primarily Hamas." The premiere took place at the Venice Film Festival about two weeks ago, where the audience applauded for 24 minutes—the longest record in the festival's history. The previous record of 22 minutes belonged to the film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" about the death of a Palestinian girl from IDF fire.