NAZA film-makers address threats at documentary’s New York City premiere
Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor defend findings on Israel’s killing of Palestinians amid threats from Israeli officials
TL;DR
- Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor defended their documentary NAZA, which investigates Israel's alleged systemic killing of Palestinians in Gaza using AI.
- The film features testimony from anonymized Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers about AI-powered targeting systems.
- NAZA has faced significant backlash from Israeli officials, including threats to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu called the film "propaganda" and vowed to advance legislation against those who "smear" Israeli soldiers.
- The filmmakers stated that using anonymous sources was crucial for exposing hidden state systems and that the "crimes are ongoing."
- The documentary builds on reporting published between 2023 and 2025 in The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call.
- Protests occurred outside the New York premiere, with demonstrators accusing the film of being propaganda and highlighting the October 7th attacks.
- Abraham addressed the October 7th attacks, stating that while unjustified, they do not justify the ongoing killing of civilians in Gaza.
- The film's creators highlighted the US's $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel as relevant to the documentary's content.
- Numerous Israeli film professionals, human rights organizations, and international press freedom groups have defended the filmmakers.
- NAZA is set for a wide cinema release next month in 55 countries, followed by a free digital release on The Guardian's website in November.