NAZA documentary from No Other Land directors acquired by MK2 Films
MK2 Films has acquired international sales for “NAZA,” the new documentary from “No Other Land” co-directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, ahead of its Venice Film Festival premiere on Sept. 10. The only documentary in Venice’s competition lineup, “NAZA” examines the systems behind Israel’s mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
French sales company MK2 Films announced the deal on Monday, the same day “NAZA” was added to the Venice Film Festival competition lineup. The acquisition positions the hot-button documentary for global distribution ahead of what is expected to be one of the festival’s most closely watched premieres. For more festival and streaming news, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Key Takeaways
- MK2 Films has boarded international sales for “NAZA” ahead of its Sept. 10 Venice premiere.
- The film is the only documentary feature in this year’s Venice competition lineup.
- Co-directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor also co-directed the Oscar-winning “No Other Land.”
- “NAZA” was shot at night on Tel Aviv rooftops and builds on reporting from +972, Local Call and The Guardian.
- The Guardian and JW Films produced the film; Jonathan Glazer executive produced.
What Is ‘NAZA’ About?
According to its official synopsis, “NAZA” shows “in detail the systems behind Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” The documentary was shot at night on the rooftops of Tel Aviv.
The film’s title refers to a military acronym used euphemistically by Israeli intelligence to indicate the number of civilians expected to be killed in an airstrike, according to an MK2 Films statement cited by Variety.
Promotional materials say “NAZA” builds on revelations first published by the Israeli-Palestinian publication +972, Hebrew-language outlet Local Call and The Guardian between 2023 and 2025.
Who Made ‘NAZA’ and Who Is Distributing It?
Abraham and Szor are the two Israeli co-directors of “No Other Land,” which won the 2025 best documentary Oscar. The other two “No Other Land” co-directors, Hamdan Ballal and Basel Adra, are Palestinian.
“No Other Land” premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and documented the gradual demolition of Palestinian houses and villages in the Masafer Yatta region of the West Bank by Israeli military bulldozers.
“NAZA” is a Guardian production with JW Films, in association with Placeholder Films and Unseen Hand. Producer James Wilson and executive producer Jonathan Glazer are the Oscar-winning team behind “The Zone of Interest.”
MK2 CEO Nathanaël Karmitz and managing director Fionnuala Jamison praised the film’s testimonies, journalistic rigor and cinematic form, saying it aligns with MK2’s mission to help audiences confront difficult truths through cinema.
Why Does the Venice Premiere Matter?
“NAZA” is the only documentary feature in this year’s Venice competition lineup, giving it a prominent platform on the Lido. Variety describes it as a potentially explosive premiere that arrives amid intense global attention on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs from Sept. 2 to 12. “NAZA” is scheduled to premiere in Venice on Sept. 10, shortly after the festival opens.
When Will Audiences See ‘NAZA’?
MK2 Films’ acquisition covers international sales, but specific theatrical or streaming release dates have not been announced. The Venice premiere on Sept. 10 will be the film’s first public screening as part of the official competition.
Distribution details beyond the festival are likely to emerge after industry buyers and critics see the film on the Lido. MK2’s involvement suggests the documentary is positioned for a wide international rollout following Venice.