# Gaza Documentary NAZA Becomes Global Box Office Phenomenon Israeli-directed documentary NAZA surpasses 1.5 million admissions amid intense political controversy and government backlash. - **Source:** [Euronews – Culture](https://www.euronews.com/culture) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1ea901b2-a68e-4fe8-adaa-933c2c933023 ## Global Theatrical Success The documentary NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has reached over 1.5 million admissions across 47 territories as of November 6. With $14.5 million in total global gross, the film has become one of the most-watched documentaries of 2026, following a successful world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. ## Investigative Content Focus The 80-minute film examines military targeting systems in Gaza, featuring interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. Participants describe the use of AI and automated surveillance to conduct strikes despite known civilian presence. To ensure safety, the filmmakers digitally altered the voices and faces of all military whistleblowers involved. ## Dominance in Italy Italy remains the film's largest market, contributing 717,517 admissions since its September 29 release. Distributed by I Wonder, NAZA currently ranks as the third most-watched documentary in Italian cinema history. It trails only Fahrenheit 9/11 and The March of the Penguins, maintaining a presence in 379 cinemas across the country. ## Diverse International Distribution Distribution strategies varied by region; France utilized a 48-hour event release, drawing 82,000 admissions, while the U.K. and Ireland saw 102,509 ticket sales. Germany reported 83,355 admissions, and the U.S. market, now handled by Neon, continues to expand. The film has also reached audiences in Japan, Mexico, Thailand, and across the Benelux region. ## Governmental Backlash Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the film a source of global antisemitic incitement, calling for criminal investigations into the featured soldiers. Culture Minister Miki Zohar threatened to revoke the citizenship of directors Abraham and Szor. These actions have drawn criticism from the European Federation of Journalists, citing intimidation against professional media. ## Critical Acclaim and Awards Beyond box office performance, NAZA has secured significant industry recognition. It won the Special Jury Prize at Venice, the audience award at San Sebastián, and the critics prize at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. The film is currently shortlisted for Best European Documentary at the upcoming European Film Awards ceremony. ## Production and Reporting Roots The documentary builds upon extensive investigative reporting conducted between 2023 and 2025. Key sources include the Israeli-Palestinian +972 Magazine, the Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, and The Guardian. These collaborative efforts provided the foundational research for the film's detailed examination of military operations and the systems behind the ongoing conflict in Gaza. ## Future Streaming Plans Following its successful theatrical run, the documentary is scheduled for a free global streaming release on theguardian.com in early December. This digital distribution aims to broaden the film's reach after its extensive cinema circuit. The transition marks the final phase of the project's release strategy following its international theatrical success. ## Sources covering this story - [Euronews – Culture — Gaza Documentary NAZA Becomes Global Box Office Phenomenon](https://www.euronews.com/2026/11/12/gaza-documentary-naza-becomes-one-of-the-most-watched-docs-of-2026) - [Variety — Documentary 'NAZA' Surpasses 1.5 Million Global Cinema Admissions](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/naza-no-other-land-cinema-admissions-1236944995/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._