NAZA documentary on Gaza war draws emotional reactions in Greece
Audiences in Athens have praised the documentary NAZA, which features Israeli soldiers' testimonies about operations against Palestinians in Gaza and examines the attacks through the lens of genocide. The film has sparked controversy in Israel following its recognition at the Venice International Film Festival.
The documentary NAZA, produced by British newspaper The Guardian and directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has drawn strong reactions from audiences in Athens, Greece, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).
The film was screened in Greece following its reported receipt of the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 12, 2026. Tickets for many screenings reportedly sold out in advance.
Speaking to AA after watching the documentary, several audience members described feeling shocked, distressed and compelled to reflect on the events depicted in the film.
ATHENS AUDIENCES DESCRIBE SHOCK AND DISTRESS
Dimitris Cheripis said he was struck by the apparent lack of remorse among the soldiers featured in the documentary.
“What surprised me was that the people committing these crimes did not see them as crimes,” he said, describing their attitudes as deeply troubling.
Another viewer, identified only as Panos, said the film had left him feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help those affected by the war.
“It was very emotional. After watching it, you wonder how you have lived all this time without doing anything. You also don't know how to help,” he said.
Anastasis said the documentary had profoundly unsettled him, comparing the soldiers' accounts to the defence offered by Nazi official Adolf Eichmann, who invoked obedience to orders in connection with his role in the Holocaust.
Another audience member, who declined to give their name, also described the film as shocking.
The reactions reflect the emotional impact of the testimonies presented in the documentary, although the comments represent individual viewers rather than a survey of Greek public opinion.
FILM'S VENICE AWARD SPARKS CONTROVERSY IN ISRAEL
The documentary's recognition at the Venice festival triggered a political backlash in Israel, according to the AA report.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly instructed military intelligence, military prosecutors and relevant commands to establish the identities of the soldiers who appeared in the film and determine whether they were serving conscripts or reservists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly denounced the documentary as “antisemitic incitement” and announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at revoking the citizenship of Israelis who, in his words, defame Israeli soldiers.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar also reportedly threatened to revoke the citizenship of the film's directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, on September 13.
The controversy has placed the documentary at the centre of a broader dispute over military accountability, freedom of expression and the portrayal of Israel's war in Gaza.
DEBATE OVER TESTIMONIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY
By presenting soldiers' accounts alongside its examination of the war in Gaza, NAZA has contributed to debate about the conduct of Israeli forces and the responsibility of individuals operating within military structures.
The film's treatment of the attacks as genocide is part of its framing of the events; the legal determination of genocide is a separate matter governed by international law and the relevant judicial proceedings.
Its reception in Athens demonstrates how documentary cinema can bring contested international events into public discussion beyond the region directly affected by the conflict.
Source: Anadolu Agency (AA), October 2, 2026.
