Gaza Documentary NAZA Premieres at Venice Film Festival 2026

The Gaza documentary NAZA, produced by the Guardian and directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, will receive its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. This powerful film is the only documentary competing for the prestigious Golden Lion this year, marking a significant moment in cinematic history.

NAZA: A Groundbreaking Documentary

NAZA, which translates to an Israeli military acronym used euphemistically to indicate expected civilian casualties in airstrikes, delves into the systemic nature of Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. The film is produced by Jim Wilson and executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, the acclaimed director behind The Zone of Interest.

The directors, known for their work on the Oscar-winning No Other Land, have created a film that exposes the calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians. Shot at night on the rooftops of Tel Aviv, NAZA reveals the intricate systems behind these operations, drawing on investigative reporting from +972, Local Call, and the Guardian.

Venice Film Festival Competition

NAZA's inclusion in the main competition at Venice underscores its importance in contemporary documentary filmmaking. It stands as the sole documentary vying for the Golden Lion, a testament to its powerful storytelling and critical message.

The film's premiere at Venice is a major platform, bringing international attention to the ongoing conflict and the human cost of war. The Guardian's statement highlights the film's role in exposing the euphemistic language used by Israeli intelligence, making the abstract statistics of civilian deaths tangible and personal.

Directors with a Proven Track Record

Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor are no strangers to acclaim. Their previous collaboration, No Other Land, won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2025. That film, described by the Guardian's chief film critic Peter Bradshaw as a "sombre, sobering work," set a high bar for their follow-up.

NAZA promises to continue their tradition of impactful, investigative filmmaking, offering a stark look at the realities of modern warfare. The film's production team, including Jim Wilson and Jonathan Glazer, brings a wealth of experience, ensuring a cinematic experience that is both visually and emotionally compelling.

Key Takeaways from NAZA

• NAZA is the only documentary competing for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
• The film exposes the euphemistic military language used to describe civilian casualties in Gaza.
• It is produced by the Guardian and directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
• Jonathan Glazer serves as executive producer, adding to the film's prestige.
• The documentary builds on investigative reporting from +972, Local Call, and the Guardian.

Comparison: NAZA vs. No Other Land

FAQ

As NAZA prepares to make its mark at Venice, it joins a legacy of documentaries that challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. With its powerful narrative and expert production, this film is set to be a defining moment in documentary cinema.