Gaza documentary ‘NAZA’ wins Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival

VENICE: A documentary examining the war in Gaza and the use of an Israeli artificial intelligence system has won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, drawing renewed international attention to the human cost of the conflict and the role of technology in military operations.

According to international media reports, “NAZA” received the Special Jury Prize at the prestigious festival. The documentary was also met with a prolonged standing ovation, with audiences reportedly applauding for around 25 minutes following its screening.

The film was directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Zor, who sought to examine the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza through testimonies from Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers.

The filmmakers said they hoped the documentary would make it more difficult for audiences to remain silent about the issue.

Focus on Gaza and AI Technology

“NAZA” focuses on allegations surrounding the use of Israeli military and intelligence technologies, including artificial intelligence-based systems, during the Gaza conflict.

By relying on testimonies from people connected to Israel’s military and intelligence establishment, the documentary attempts to provide an inside perspective on decisions and practices linked to the war.

The film’s recognition at Venice marks a significant moment for its creators, who have sought to bring the experiences and testimonies surrounding Gaza to international audiences.

The documentary’s reception also highlighted the increasingly prominent role of political and human-rights themes at major international film festivals.

The filmmakers have expressed hope that the film will encourage viewers to confront difficult questions surrounding civilian casualties, military decision-making and the use of emerging technologies in warfare.

Venice Film Festival Celebrates Other Winners

While “NAZA” secured the Special Jury Prize, other major awards at the festival went to leading filmmakers and performers.

The film “Woman Unknown” won the festival’s prestigious Golden Lion, the top prize awarded at Venice.

Danish actress Mathilde Arcel was named Best Actress, while veteran actor John Malkovich won the Best Actor award.

The recognition for “NAZA,” however, has placed the documentary among the festival’s most discussed titles, particularly because of its focus on the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Its lengthy standing ovation further underscored the emotional response from the festival audience.

The documentary now moves beyond the festival circuit with its creators hoping that its award and international exposure will encourage broader discussion about civilian deaths in Gaza, military accountability and the ethical questions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.