“Nazza”, a searing look at the systems used by the Israeli government to kill Palestinians, was too controversial for the major indie studio. That hasn’t stopped “Naza” from connecting with arthouse audiences, now that the self-distributed documentary has opened in theaters. In two weeks of release, “Naja” will cross the $500,000 mark, an impressive feat for any non-fiction film, especially one about such a hot-button, politically charged subject.
“Nazza” premiered last weekend at New York’s IFC Center, where it grossed more than $125,000 in its first eight days. It then expanded to 85 theaters in 30 cities across North America, grossing an additional $298,240 over the three-day weekend and an estimated $378,200 over the four-day weekend. Its domestic haul as of Monday is expected to be $504,074. The film’s distribution is being led by producers The Guardian and MK2. He has said that its free streaming will start on The Guardian’s website from November.
“Naza” comes from the “No Other Land” team of Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, and features interviews with unnamed IDF sources who detail how AI and phone surveillance have been used to identify targets in Gaza and how the country’s attacks have led to mass killings of Palestinian civilians. The film thrilled audiences in Venice, where it received a 25-minute ovation and won a special jury prize. Critics also widely embraced the film, which is seen as a top Oscar contender.
Authorities in Israel have condemned the film. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir Pledged to use “every tool available to us” to prevent its release, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested he would strip people interviewed in the film of their Israeli citizenship. Israel’s Culture Minister Szor and Abraham accused of “treason” And suggested that his citizenship could be revoked.
“No Other Land”, which examines the violence of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, was also self-distributed. It won the Oscar for Best Documentary.