The Gaza documentary NAZA has made a stunning debut at the Italian box office, surpassing major Hollywood releases including Avengers Endgame: Encore. The 80-minute film, directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, opened at No. 1, drawing sold-out audiences and sparking widespread conversation across Italy.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
On its opening day, NAZA earned €451,872 with a per-site average of €1,153. By the end of Tuesday, that figure climbed to approximately €1.1 million. In comparison, Avengers Endgame: Encore – a rerelease of the 2019 blockbuster with new footage – took in €356,000 over the same period. The documentary's success is particularly notable given its limited three-day booking, which has now been extended due to overwhelming demand.
Comparison of Box Office Earnings
| Film | Opening Earnings (€) | Per-Site Average (€) |
|---|---|---|
| NAZA | 451,872 (Day 1); ~1.1M (by Day 2) | 1,153 |
| Avengers Endgame: Encore | 356,000 | N/A |
Audience Reactions and Impact
Italian audiences have responded to NAZA with a mixture of shock and solidarity. In packed cinemas, some viewers held Palestinian flags, and applause often followed the screenings. At the Tibur cinema in Rome's San Lorenzo area, however, audiences watched in complete silence. "In general, the public was in shock as they watched," said Marco, a member of the cinema staff. The film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month received a 25-minute standing ovation – a festival record – and it won the Special Jury Prize.
Key Takeaways from NAZA's Success
- NAZA outperformed Avengers Endgame: Encore in its opening days in Italy.
- The documentary's initial three-day run was extended due to popular demand.
- It won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and received a record 25-minute ovation.
- Audiences displayed strong emotional reactions, including flag-waving and applause.
Why the Film Resonates in Italy
Italy has a long history of engagement with Middle Eastern politics and a strong tradition of documentary filmmaking. The subject matter of NAZA – Israel's systemic mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza – has struck a chord with Italian viewers, who have packed theaters across the country. The film's directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, are both Oscar winners, adding to its prestige. Produced by The Guardian, NAZA has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of events.
FAQ
What is NAZA about?
NAZA is an award-winning documentary that examines Israel's systemic mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. It is directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by The Guardian.
How much did NAZA earn at the Italian box office?
On its opening day, NAZA earned €451,872, and by the end of Tuesday, it had reached approximately €1.1 million.
Did NAZA beat Avengers Endgame: Encore?
Yes, NAZA opened at No. 1, beating Avengers Endgame: Encore, which came in at No. 2 with €356,000 over the same period.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of shoes achilles tendonitis, iron clothes draft, denture adhesive, motorized kayaks turning heads this year, and volkswagen id4 lease price deals right now. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of wood absorb essential oil, vacuum cleaner pest control, outdoor flood lights, portable spotlight, and affordable night vision camera. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.