What award did NAZA win at the Venice Film Festival?

The documentary NAZA won the Special Jury Prize during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Who directed the documentary NAZA?

The film was co-directed by filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.

Why are the directors of NAZA facing controversy?

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar reportedly sought to revoke the citizenship of directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor over the film's contents.

TV & Film

Venice Winner 'NAZA' Drops Intense First Trailer Following Award Victory

Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor release the official teaser for their Venice Special Jury Prize-winning documentary.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Sep 25, 2026Updated Sep 25, 20262 min read

Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor made massive waves on the Lido when their explosive documentary project *NAZA* walked away with the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Now, riding the momentum of their high-profile festival victory, the filmmaking duo has officially released the first teaser trailer for the deeply controversial film. Subtitled "A Window Into Systems of Mass Killing," the documentary offers an intense inside look at the mechanisms behind military actions. The project captures nighttime footage taken from Tel Aviv rooftops while exploring the strategic operational decisions surrounding Gaza.

What Is The Venice Winner NAZA About?

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The documentary centers on testimonies from inside the military apparatus itself. The film presents detailed interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers who participated directly in remote military operations targetting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In one translated snippet featured in the newly released preview, a soldier cautions audiences about the severity of what occurred, admitting that viewers are being spared from even harsher realities. Following its celebrated debut and prize win in Venice, the documentary is continuing its run across the international festival circuit. The project is slated for its North American debut at the New York Film Festival before launching a theatrical run at the IFC Center in New York City. A subsequent theatrical expansion is planned for Los Angeles and other select American cities under a self-distribution model, alongside a planned global digital release.

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Why Is NAZA Sparking Backlash Against Its Directors?

The film's critical focus has triggered a fierce reaction from government authorities in Israel. Reports indicate that Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar moved to revoke the citizenship of both Abraham and Szor, accusing the directors of betraying their country through the project. Despite the political storm brewing around its creators, *NAZA* continues to draw significant focus from international cinema audiences following its standout recognition on the Venice stage. The documentary's combination of firsthand soldier accounts and festival acclaim ensures it will remain one of the year's most fiercely debated releases.