Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The Guardian To Offer ‘NAZA’ For Free On Website After Theatrical Run & Is Exploring Ways To Show Doc In Israel & Palestinian Territories
The Guardian and mk2 Films will release the investigative documentary *NAZA* theatrically in more than 50 territories from 28 September, before making it available worldwide for free on The Guardian’s website later this autumn. The film examines allegations that Israeli military forces deliberately targeted civilians in Gaza, and has attracted significant attention since its Venice premiere, alongside criticism and threats from Israeli politicians.
The documentary has secured distributors in 56 territories and received a record 25-minute ovation at Venice. It will premiere in North America at the New York Film Festival on 26 September, open in US cinemas on 30 September and expand from 9 October; its producers are also seeking ways to show it in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, *NAZA* builds on investigations published by The Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call, including reporting on Israel’s use of artificial intelligence to identify targets in Gaza.
In short
- *NAZA* will receive a global cinema release before streaming free on The Guardian’s website.
- The documentary investigates alleged civilian targeting in Gaza by Israeli forces.
- It has distributors in 56 territories and faces opposition from Israeli politicians.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Offering NAZA free online after its theatrical run could make an investigation of grave allegations accessible to a broad audience, including people unable to see it in cinemas. Its supporters may argue that public access to journalism about civilian harm matters, and that presenting the film in Israel and the Palestinian territories could widen scrutiny and discussion.
The case against
Critics may argue that a documentary built on reporting about contested allegations risks presenting a partial account as authoritative, particularly in a highly polarised conflict. They may also contend that a free online release could amplify claims without the context or opportunity for challenge that a fuller debate would provide, and that screenings in Israel and the Palestinian territories could heighten tensions or pose practical safety concerns.
Explained simply
The documentary is an investigation into allegations that Israeli forces deliberately targeted civilians during the war in Gaza. It draws on reporting by The Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call, including accounts of how artificial intelligence was used to help identify potential military targets.
Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor directed the film. Its subject has prompted criticism and threats from Israeli politicians, and its producers are looking for ways to show it in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The film’s release involves The Guardian and distributor mk2 Films, alongside cinemas and festivals in several countries. Its subject matters because it concerns civilian safety in Gaza and how military decisions are made and scrutinised.
Art Culture Entertainment Film Geopolitics Middle East Politics World