Film Review Summary: "NAZA"
At the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s documentary "NAZA" confronts the chilling realities of Israeli state violence in Gaza by interviewing anonymous state agents involved in mass killings. The film challenges both official denials and international complicity, detailing a systematic approach to civilian deaths that suggests they are not mere accidents but part of a broader strategy. Through interviews with 24 intelligence and military personnel filmed at night on Tel Aviv rooftops, the film reveals unnerving procedures for selecting and targeting victims, often aided by AI.
The term "NAZA" signifies the expected civilian casualties in military operations, as agents discuss the calculated decision-making behind their actions, often rationalizing the loss of life. Archival footage provides historical context, emphasizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s long-standing nature. The narrative paints a grim picture of Gaza’s destruction as part of a strategic territorial goal.
Executive-produced by Jonathan Glazer, "NAZA" subtly raises questions about genocide while forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. The film eschews moral handwringing, instead illustrating the normalization of violence against civilians, implicating both the agents and the broader populace in these decisions. Ultimately, it compels viewers to reckon with the grim realities of war and complicity, making it a harrowing yet essential watch.
