Venice winner NAZA sets 56-territory cinema run before free global streaming
The Venice prize-winning documentary NAZA will open in cinemas in 56 territories from 28 September before becoming free to watch worldwide on The Guardian's website, Variety reported on 24 September.
The film is by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, previously known for No Other Land. It is an Israeli-made documentary about Gaza that centres on Israel's AI-assisted killing of civilians, according to AFP.
NAZA documents the Israeli military's use of secret AI-powered systems in Gaza. It includes testimony from anonymous Israeli intelligence personnel discussing AI, error rates and intelligence units.
The film had its world premiere in Venice on 10 September. It received a 25-minute standing ovation at the premiere, as recorded by The Guardian, and then won a special jury prize, an award decided by the festival jury alongside the main Golden Lion.
The release is organised in two stages. The Guardian produced the film with James Wilson of JW Films, with Jonathan Glazer as executive producer. French sales company MK2, a firm that licences films to local distributors country by country, is handling theatrical distribution in 56 territories.
Cinemas worldwide will start screenings on 28 September. In the United States, the rollout begins on 30 September with an exclusive opening at the IFC Center in New York City. In Italy, distributor I Wonder will show the film on 500 screens as a three-day event from 28 to 30 September.
For viewers, this means a short cinema run followed by open access. The free global viewing on The Guardian's website follows the theatrical dates rather than running at the same time.
The film has also been offered to distributors and cinemas in Israel. Abraham said in his Venice acceptance speech that it was important that Israelis watch the film.
That call has drawn a sharp response in Israel. Culture Minister Miki Zohar accused Abraham and Szor of treason against the state and threatened to strip them of Israeli citizenship, The Guardian reported on 14 September.
