The documentary ‘NAZA’ about the Israel-Gaza conflict will have its U.S. theatrical release, starting at the IFC Center in New York City.
The documentary NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is set to begin its U.S. theatrical release, with the first screening scheduled at the IFC Center in New York City. This announcement was made on September 18, 2026, by The Hollywood Reporter.
Since its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, NAZA has generated both backlash and acclaim. The film received the Special Jury Prize, indicating significant recognition in its initial presentation. The documentary delves into the Israel-Gaza conflict and showcases critical perspectives aimed at exposing the systems behind alleged civilian casualties.
Following its premiere in New York, NAZA will expand to Los Angeles and other significant markets on October 9, 2026, eventually rolling out nationally. In response to the film’s urgent subject matter, the filmmakers have adopted an innovative distribution model in collaboration with The Guardian and mk2, aiming to reach audiences swiftly.
The film is also set to have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival on September 26, 2026.
The filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, emphasize their goal to critically examine the circumstances leading to the targeting of Palestinian civilians by Israeli military forces. Featuring testimonials from 24 Israeli military officers, the documentary aims to unveil the protocols they allege the Israeli military employs in operational contexts.
The title NAZA refers to an acronym used by the Israeli military that encapsulates the issue of civilian casualties, further enhancing the film’s critical commentary on the ongoing conflict. The filmmakers have articulated their obligation to address the challenges posed by these events, leveraging their positions as Israeli filmmakers and journalists to foster a necessary dialogue.
In the wake of the documentary's accolades and critical responses, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement categorically rejecting the film’s allegations. They contested the credibility of the anonymous testimonies presented in NAZA, asserting that military operations are conducted with a significant focus on minimizing civilian harm. Furthermore, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir remarked that the documentary constitutes an attack on the state of Israel.
The theatrical release of NAZA serves as a pivotal moment in ongoing discussions around the Israel-Gaza conflict. By opening in prominent locations like New York and expanding across the U.S., the film is poised to attract attention from audiences eager to engage with documentary narratives that confront difficult political realities. As the film navigates its distribution, responses from various stakeholders, including the IDF and supporters of the documentary, are likely to shape public discourse surrounding its themes.
This release underscores the filmmakers’ ambitions to foster reflection on the broader implications of military engagement in civilian contexts and the responsibilities surrounding narratives in times of conflict.
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