VENICE – Naza, a documentary examining civilian deaths in Gaza, received a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, drawing a strong response from the audience following its screening.
The documentary was directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Zor and focuses on civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip through testimonies from Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers.
The film’s strong reception comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to draw international attention, with civilian casualties remaining a major focus of global debate surrounding the conflict.
The filmmakers have said they hope the film will make it harder for audiences to remain silent about the killing of civilians in Gaza and encourage greater attention to accounts emerging from the conflict.
The documentary presents testimonies from Israeli intelligence personnel and military figures regarding civilian deaths, offering an account of the conflict from individuals with direct knowledge of military operations.
Abraham and Zor expressed hope that Naza would prompt viewers to engage with the human cost of the war and question the circumstances surrounding civilian deaths.
The film’s reception at the festival has brought additional international attention to the documentary and its subject matter.
The lengthy standing ovation followed its screening, with the audience applauding the filmmakers and the work’s treatment of the Gaza conflict.
Naza is also competing for the Golden Lion, the top award at the Venice Film Festival, alongside 20 other films in the main competition.
The Venice Film Festival is one of the world’s major international film events and attracts filmmakers, actors, critics and audiences from around the globe.
The inclusion of Naza in the competition places the documentary among a select group of films being considered for the festival’s prestigious top honour.
