Controversial 'NAZA' Documentary To Be Released In U.S. This Month

Key Points:

• The documentary NAZA, which alleges the Israel Defense Forces set acceptable civilian death tolls in Gaza, will open in U.S. theaters starting September 30 at IFC in New York City, followed by expansions to Los Angeles and other markets in October.
• The film features interviews with 24 anonymous Israeli intelligence and military personnel and claims the IDF allowed up to 500 Palestinian civilian deaths in some attacks, accusations the IDF categorically denies.
• NAZA premiered to a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival but has faced sharp criticism from Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has threatened legal action against the filmmakers.
• Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, both Israeli Jews, emphasize the film's goal to expose systemic dehumanization and mass killings of Palestinians, continuing investigative journalism published by The Guardian and partners.
• The documentary will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival on September 26, ahead of Israeli elections on October 27, where Netanyahu’s political coalition faces potential losses.