Israel’s Minister of Culture Miki Zohar has threatened to strip Israeli citizenship from documentary filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor over their film “NAZA.” Zohar characterized the work as “shocking” and accused the directors of disloyalty to the state, stating that their actions constitute a betrayal motivated by a desire for international approval rather than patriotic concerns.
The documentary, which examines systems behind mass casualties of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to significant recognition. The film received a special jury prize, and its premiere screening drew a standing ovation lasting 24.5 minutes—the longest in the festival’s history. Upon receiving the award, Abraham addressed criticism from Israeli politicians and journalists, arguing that confronting documented reality is essential to preventing ongoing harm.
Zohar’s statement reflected deep disapproval of the filmmakers’ work and messaging. He declared his intention to immediately pursue citizenship revocation, characterizing the directors as driven by self-hatred. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Israel regarding artistic freedom and representations of the conflict, with the film’s international success and accolades standing in stark contrast to the domestic political backlash it has generated.
Originally reported by Variety →
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