Documentary on Gaza Surpasses Avengers Re-Release in Italy’s Box Office

In Italy, the documentary NAZA, created by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, opened at number one, earning roughly €1.1 million over Monday and Tuesday, while the Avengers: Endgame Encore re-release managed only €356,000. The film investigates AI-powered systems used by Israel in Gaza and includes interviews with 24 unnamed Israeli military and intelligence insiders. NAZA received a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and a record-breaking 24-minute standing ovation at its premiere.

The Israeli government’s response has been hostile: Culture Minister Miki Zohar labeled the work “despicable” and vowed to strip the directors of citizenship, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for two bills targeting anyone who “defames” the Israeli army. The military’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered legal action against the filmmakers with Shin Bet assistance. NAZA is slated for a wider release in the United States after 9 October and will roll out in 55 additional countries.