Israel minister threatens to revoke citizenship of ‘NAZA’ filmmakers

Israel’s Culture Minister Miki Zohar has threatened to strip documentary filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor of their Israeli citizenship, accusing the directors of acting against the country over their film NAZA.

According to Variety, Zohar criticised the documentary after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, describing it as “shocking” and alleging that the filmmakers had betrayed Israel.

In a statement, the minister accused Abraham and Szor of attacking their own country in an attempt to win international approval. He said he would move to revoke their citizenship, calling their alleged actions a betrayal of the state.

‘NAZA’ examines Israel’s war in Gaza

Directed by Abraham and Szor, NAZA examines what its official description calls the systems and policies behind the mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The documentary made its world premiere at the Venice festival, where it received a lengthy standing ovation from the audience. The 24-and-a-half-minute ovation was reported as the longest in the festival’s history.

The filmmakers also received a special jury prize for the documentary. The film has drawn strong international attention, while its subject matter has triggered criticism from Israeli officials and commentators.

Filmmaker responds to criticism

Speaking after receiving the award in Venice, Abraham acknowledged the backlash the documentary has faced in Israel. He said it was difficult to celebrate the recognition while Israeli politicians and journalists were attacking the film and rejecting its claims without having watched it.

Abraham argued that refusing to confront alleged crimes could allow them to continue.

“We believe that the denial of a crime is what helps it persist,” he said, stressing that the filmmakers wanted Israelis to see the documentary and confront what was happening in Gaza.

He also called for audiences in Europe, Italy and the United States to watch the film, arguing that governments in those countries have a role in the conflict.

Abraham specifically criticised Italy and Germany for what he described as their failure to apply sufficient pressure on Israel, while saying the United States was helping finance the military campaign.

Film draws international attention

The controversy surrounding NAZA has added to the documentary’s profile following its Venice premiere.

While the filmmakers have presented the film as an attempt to document and scrutinise the conduct of Israel’s war in Gaza, Zohar has portrayed it as an attack on the Israeli state.

His threat to pursue the revocation of the directors’ citizenships marks a significant escalation in the official response to the film and its creators.