‘This should be condemned by any thinking human’: film industry rallies behind NAZA directors
Backing comes after Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor were threatened with having their citizenship revoked and accused of treason
TL;DR
- Israeli Oscar-winning directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor of the documentary 'NAZA' are threatened with having their citizenship revoked by Israel’s culture minister.
- The minister accused the directors of "treason against the state" following the film's critical portrayal of AI-powered targeting systems used in Gaza.
- 'NAZA' includes interviews with Israeli soldiers about AI targeting systems that resulted in the mass killing of Palestinian civilians.
- The film premiered at the Venice film festival, receiving a record 25-minute standing ovation and winning a special jury prize.
- Film industry leaders globally, including directors of Venice, Telluride, Locarno, and San Sebastián film festivals, have expressed solidarity with Abraham and Szor, condemning the threats and affirming artistic freedom.
- Over 1,500 Israeli filmmakers have signed a petition supporting the directors and refuting accusations of damaging the country's international image.
- Previous Oscar winners like Laura Poitras and Nan Goldin have defended the film's factual accuracy and the filmmakers' courage.
- The documentary builds on revelations published by +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian.
- The film also addresses the broader context of Israeli attacks in Gaza since 2023 and the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.