The Gaza documentary 'NAZA,' co-directed by journalist Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, premiered in North America at the New York Film Festival, according to Variety. The screening was followed by a Q&A with festival director Dennis Lim, and Variety reported the film received a standing ovation from an audience that included people visibly moved to tears.
During the Q&A, Abraham told the audience that the U.S. government was 'funding' Israel's actions in Gaza, saying 'This is what your country is supporting,' according to Variety.
Outside the venue, Israeli and Jewish protesters rallied against the screening, according to The Jerusalem Post. The outlet reported that protesters displayed footage from the October 7 massacre and screens raising questions about the film's sources, methodology and production.
The Guardian reported that a global release has been announced for the documentary, which it described as acclaimed. The Hollywood Reporter noted that 'NAZA' comes from the directors of 'No Other Land' and said the film has sparked backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to that outlet. Deadline also covered the release of the film's trailer, describing the documentary as 'much-talked-about.'
How each side covered it
Left
- Variety reported the film received a standing ovation and detailed Abraham's remarks criticizing U.S. funding of Israel's actions in Gaza.
- The Guardian reported a global release has been announced for the documentary.
- The Hollywood Reporter noted the film comes from the 'No Other Land' directors and has drawn backlash from Netanyahu.
“‘NAZA’ Co-Director Yuval Abraham Calls Out the U.S. Government for ‘Funding’ Israel’s Destruction of Gaza, Telling NYFF Audience: ‘This Is What Your Country Is Supporting’” — Variety
Center
- Deadline reported on the release of the film's trailer, calling the documentary 'much-talked-about.'
“‘NAZA’ Trailer: First Look At Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s Much-Talked-About Gaza Documentary” — Deadline
Right
- The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli and Jewish protesters rallied against the New York screening.
- Protesters displayed October 7 massacre footage, according to the report.
- The outlet said screens also raised questions about the film's sources, methodology and production.
“Israeli, Jewish protesters rally against NYC 'NAZA' screening, display October 7 massacre footage” — The Jerusalem Post
Questions readers ask
What is 'NAZA' about?
'NAZA' is a documentary about Gaza co-directed by journalist Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, from the team behind 'No Other Land,' according to The Hollywood Reporter.
What happened at the New York Film Festival premiere?
The documentary had its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, followed by a Q&A with festival director Dennis Lim, and received a standing ovation, according to Variety.
What did Yuval Abraham say during the Q&A?
According to Variety, Abraham told the audience that the U.S. government was funding Israel's actions in Gaza, saying, 'This is what your country is supporting.'
Was there any opposition to the screening?
Yes. The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli and Jewish protesters rallied outside the screening, displaying October 7 massacre footage and raising questions about the film's sources and methodology.
Is the documentary getting a wider release?
The Guardian reported that a global release has been announced for the documentary.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningGuardian announces global release plans for documentary feature film NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor
- The Hollywood ReporterLeft-leaning‘NAZA’ Trailer: First Look at ‘No Other Land’ Directors’ Gaza Doc That Sparked Netanyahu Backlash
- VarietyLeft-leaningIsraeli Americans Protest ‘NAZA’ by Screening October 7 Footage Outside New York Premiere: ‘Compassion For Palestinian Civilians Doesn’t Require Us to Erase October 7’
- DeadlineCenter‘NAZA’ Trailer: First Look At Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s Much-Talked-About Gaza Documentary
- The Jerusalem PostRight-leaningIsraeli, Jewish protesters rally against NYC 'NAZA' screening, display October 7 massacre footage