MK2 Films has acquired worldwide rights to “NAZA,” the new documentary from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the co-directors of the Oscar-winning “No Other Land.” The film has been added to the competition lineup of the Venice Film Festival, with its world premiere set for the festival later this year.
The acquisition, announced just ahead of the festival, marks a significant move for MK2 Films, which previously handled sales for “No Other Land” in select territories. “NAZA” is described as a follow-up work from the duo, shot at night on the rooftops of Tel Aviv, and reportedly examines the systems behind Israel’s calculated military and surveillance apparatus.
The announcement positions “NAZA” as one of the most politically charged films of the upcoming festival season, building on the controversy and acclaim that surrounded “No Other Land.” The film’s late addition to the Venice competition suggests strong festival interest and potential awards momentum.
A High-Profile Follow-Up
“NAZA” marks the second collaboration between Abraham and Szor, who previously worked together on “No Other Land” — with Szor serving as cinematographer and Abraham as co-director. That film, co-directed with Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in March 2025. It depicted the forced displacement of the Palestinian community in Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank, and sparked intense debate in Israel and internationally.
The new project, still under a working title, is described as a separate work that continues the directors’ focus on Israeli policies and their human costs. The night-time rooftop setting suggests a visual approach that may employ surveillance-like aesthetics, potentially offering a voyeuristic perspective on Tel Aviv and the systems operating within Israeli society.
Venice Competition Slot
The Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious, added “NAZA” to its competition lineup in a late announcement on a Monday, just ahead of the festival’s opening. Competition slots are highly coveted, and documentaries are relatively rare in this category, signaling the festival’s confidence in the film’s artistic and political relevance.
MK2 Films, a major French sales company, will handle worldwide sales. The acquisition is a strategic bet on the film’s festival performance and awards potential, following the success of “No Other Land,” which faced distribution hurdles in the U.S. before being released by a coalition of independent distributors.
Political and Artistic Stakes
The film’s subject matter is likely to reignite debates about Israeli accountability, surveillance, and the occupation. Abraham, an Israeli journalist, has faced criticism from officials for his outspoken views, including his Oscar acceptance speech calling for a ceasefire and equal rights. Szor, an Israeli cinematographer, brings a visual sensibility that may prioritize observational techniques over traditional interviews.
The title “NAZA” remains enigmatic, with no official explanation yet. It could be a Hebrew or Arabic term, an acronym, or a proper name, but its meaning is unconfirmed.
Distribution and Reception Ahead
While the acquisition and festival premiere confirm the film’s entry into the global festival circuit, its release date and distribution plans are yet to be announced. Given the political climate, “NAZA” may face similar challenges in Israel and the U.S. as its predecessor, but the Venice platform provides a high-profile launch for international sales and critical attention.
As “NAZA” prepares to premiere in Venice, the film carries the weight of its directors’ previous work and the ongoing debates it fueled. With MK2 Films backing the project, the documentary is poised to become a major talking point at the festival, and its reception will likely shape its journey through the awards season and beyond.
Summary
- MK2 Films acquires worldwide rights to “NAZA,” the new documentary from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, directors of “No Other Land.”
- The film has been added to the Venice Film Festival competition lineup, premiering later this year.
- “NAZA” is shot at night on Tel Aviv rooftops and reportedly examines Israel’s military and surveillance systems.
- The acquisition follows the Oscar-winning success and controversy of “No Other Land.”
- The film’s release date and distribution strategy are yet to be announced.
FAQ
Q: What is “NAZA” about?
A: “NAZA” is a documentary from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that reportedly shows the systems behind Israel’s calculated military and surveillance operations. It was shot at night on the rooftops of Tel Aviv.
Q: Who are the directors of “NAZA”?
A: The directors are Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who previously co-directed the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” (with Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal).
Q: When will “NAZA” premiere?
A: The film has been added to the competition lineup of the Venice Film Festival, with its world premiere expected during the festival, which typically runs in late August to early September.
Q: Who is distributing “NAZA”?
A: MK2 Films, a French sales company, has acquired worldwide rights to the film and will handle international sales.
Q: Is “NAZA” a sequel to “No Other Land”?
A: No, “NAZA” is a separate work, though it shares thematic concerns with the directors’ previous film. It is not a sequel.
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