Venice audience applauds documentary on AI targeting in Gaza

The 80-minute documentary NAZA, directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, received a 25-minute standing ovation during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film presents testimony from Israeli military and intelligence officials who described the mechanics of an AI-assisted targeting system used in Gaza. According to the directors, the goal was to capture detailed accounts of how these systems operated, relying on the voices of sources who requested anonymity.

The documentary is the result of a nearly three-year investigation, featuring interviews conducted under strict confidentiality. The filmmakers digitally altered the voices and faces of the interviewees, who were filmed at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv. In a statement to AFP, director Yuval Abraham explained that the project aimed to let the personnel speak about their actions, providing a granular look at the operational processes behind the strikes in Gaza.

Intelligence sources describe targeting systems

The film focuses on an AI system referred to as “Lavender,” which reportedly utilized monitored telecommunications data from Gaza to identify potential targets. Interviewees described the process as industrialized, comparing it to a factory line or even a video game due to its remote and detached nature. One source noted that the system drew on phone calls, movements, and interactions to generate lists, creating a sense of detachment from the human consequences of the strikes.

Testimony in the film also touches on the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the legal implications of these actions. Military sources acknowledged that intelligence personnel were aware that many of the targeted homes contained families. According to Al Jazeera English, the directors have stated that the film concludes the killing of civilians was a premeditated act rather than a tragic byproduct of the conflict, challenging the narrative of collateral damage.

Call for political pressure and sanctions

Director Abraham expressed a hope that the film would influence Western governments to reconsider their support for Israel, urging them to apply pressure through sanctions. He argued that inaction by these governments weakens internal advocates for human rights and political solutions in the region. The filmmakers aim to use the platform of the festival to amplify these calls for accountability and to shift the diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict.

Industry publications have responded with strong critical acclaim. Screen International described the film as urgent and impactful, while The Hollywood Reporter noted that it evoked profound disgust regarding the current Israeli regime. The production was backed by prominent figures in the film industry, including executive producer Jonathan Glazer, whose previous work The Zone of Interest won the Oscar for best international feature in 2024.

Context of ongoing conflict and access

The release of NAZA occurs against the backdrop of a war that has resulted in significant loss of life in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and wounded many more since October 2023. Access for foreign journalists to the region remains tightly controlled by the Israeli military, making independent verification and documentation of events difficult and highlighting the importance of testimonies gathered within the country.

As the Venice Film Festival concludes, NAZA stands out as the only documentary in competition, following the success of last year’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, which also received a lengthy ovation. The reception of these films suggests a growing appetite for in-depth, evidence-based narratives that scrutinize the technological and human dimensions of the ongoing conflict, prompting further discussion on the ethics of AI in warfare.