Naza wins Venice special jury prize as Kaouther Ben Hania praises Gaza documentary

The documentary "Naza," directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has been awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival for its examination of Israel's military operations in Gaza. Juror Kaouther Ben Hania commended the film's unflinching documentation of ongoing events in the conflict, praising the directors for their ability to create a powerful narrative despite the challenges of filming testimonies anonymously.

Ben Hania emphasized that "Naza" is crucial in a time of denial and highlights the bravery of the filmmakers in capturing fresh history during an ongoing genocide. The film, produced by The Guardian and James Wilson, features interviews with 24 Israeli military intelligence officers and soldiers, who speak about their actions while their identities remain protected.

The documentary delves into the use of artificial intelligence in target selection and the devastating consequences of strikes on civilian areas. "Naza" was one of several honorees at the Venice Film Festival, where Danish-Egyptian director May el-Toukhy's "Woman Unknown" received the Golden Lion, drawing a 24.5-minute standing ovation.