Documentary on Gaza killings gets 25 minute ovation at Venice Film Festival

If last year’s Venice Film Festival spotlighted "The Voice of Hind Rajab", this year’s edition has turned its attention to "NAZA", a documentary exploring the mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Directed by Oscar-winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film received an overwhelmingly positive response following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday.

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According to AFP, "NAZA" received a 25-minute standing ovation after the screening, reportedly setting a new record at the festival. The audience continued applauding the directing duo, surpassing the 23-minute ovation given to "The Voice of Hind Rajab" last year. The docu-drama tells the story of the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl by Israeli forces.

Earlier, as Abraham and Szor walked the red carpet towards the screening venue, spectators could be heard chanting both "Free Palestine!" and "Free Israel!" The strong response has positioned "NAZA" as a frontrunner for Venice’s top prize.

"The Voice of Hind Rajab" was similarly considered a favourite for the festival’s top award last year after receiving an enthusiastic response. However, it ultimately won the festival’s second prize, amid reports of divisions among the jury.

For years, the length of a standing ovation has been regarded as an indicator of a film’s reception at major international film festivals. AFP noted that while such ovations can be manipulated, they can still offer an insight into the impact a film has on festival audiences and critics.

"NAZA" features testimonies from 24 Israeli military insiders, including intelligence officers and soldiers, who describe their experiences during the war in Gaza and what they allege was the systematic killing of Palestinian civilians.

The film was shot secretly over three years on rooftops across Tel Aviv. The identities of those interviewed have been concealed through digital alterations to their voices and appearances.

Speaking at a press conference in Venice on Thursday, Abraham said the filmmakers primarily asked the Israeli officers and soldiers to describe in detail what they had done.

"Of course, there were other questions that arose, but the principal question was a question of detail — sketch it for us, we want to know how it worked," he said. "And sometimes just asking the question, you get answers."

The film’s title refers to an Israeli military acronym used as shorthand for civilian casualties, including men, women and children.

"NAZA" builds on investigations published between 2023 and 2025 by Israeli-Palestinian magazine 972 Magazine, the Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, and The Guardian.

At the Venice press conference, Szor also addressed the filmmakers’ decision to make a documentary based on information that had already been reported and published.