As The Guardian has reported, NAZA uncovers the intricate systems behind what the publication characterizes as the calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in the region. The film’s provocative title derives from a specific military acronym utilized within Israeli intelligence operations, serving as a euphemism to designate the estimated number of civilian lives that are expected to be extinguished during a planned airstrike.
The documentary represents a monumental collaborative effort born of profound artistic grit and journalistic courage. It is spearheaded by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, a visionary creative team that—alongside producer Jonathan Glazer—was also responsible for the celebrated and Oscar-winning 2024 expose No Other Land. Much like that previous groundbreaking project, NAZA relies heavily on hard-won investigative reporting, dangerous interviews conducted with endangered subjects, and crucial scoops sourced from independent journalistic outlets such as +972 Magazine and The Guardian.
Despite encountering a robust and hostile protest movement—efforts that have unfortunately culminated in severe threats directed at the filmmakers’ citizenship and personal safety—NAZA continues to command critical acclaim. The documentary has been collecting prestigious laurels on the international film circuit, including a prominent run at the New York Film Festival, and is firmly scheduled for a wider theatrical release this fall season.
New York City’s esteemed IFC Center is slated to exhibit the film throughout the month of October. For individuals residing in or visiting the New York area who wish to witness the film firsthand, the opportunity to attend a screening has just become significantly more accessible, courtesy of Ms. Burke.
The author of the bestselling novel Yesteryear delivered a direct appeal to her Instagram followers regarding the theatrical run. In a widely shared social media post published yesterday afternoon, Burke announced a major gesture of support for the film’s distribution and accessibility.
"I’ve bought all remaining tickets for the daily 1:00 pm showing of NAZA for its upcoming opening week (Sept 30 – Oct 6) at @ifccenter in Greenwich Village," Burke wrote to her followers.
For community members and film enthusiasts looking to claim one of the complimentary admissions, the process has been structured by the venue to ensure fairness. Interested attendees must join the physical line anytime after 11:00 AM daily at the IFC Center. The box office will begin distributing tickets for that specific day’s screening promptly at 12:30 PM. Distribution operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis and will continue until the allocated seats are entirely exhausted.
To ensure broad access for as many community members as possible, the venue and organizers have established a limit of two tickets per person. Furthermore, Burke hinted that her philanthropic distribution efforts might not be limited to New York alone, noting in her announcement that she is currently exploring similar possibilities in other metropolitan areas as the film’s national rollout expands.
Explaining her rationale for funding the ticket giveaway, Burke offered high praise for the filmmakers and the immense personal and professional risks they undertook to bring the project to light. Emphasizing the fundamental cultural and social role of cinema, she framed the documentary as a vital contribution to contemporary discourse.
"I’ll keep it simple and say this," Burke wrote in her statement. "If the purpose of art is to expand consciousness, and to challenge systems of power and oppression, then it could be argued that this is the most important work of art to come out this year."
