Guardian Plans Free Online Release for Documentary 'NAZA' Following Cinema Run
The Guardian and mk2 films have set a theatrical release for the documentary 'NAZA' in over 50 territories starting September 28. After its cinema run, the film will be available for free on The Guardian's website, a move the partners say reflects worldwide interest and the outlet's commitment to independent journalism. They are also exploring ways to screen the film in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, where it generated significant attention. Distributors have now been secured across 56 territories, with the theatrical rollout beginning September 28. The film is a joint production between The Guardian and JW Films, featuring interviews conducted by co-director Yuval Abraham.
Following its cinema run, the film will shift to The Guardian's website for free global viewing, a distribution strategy the partners describe as reflecting both public demand and the outlet's editorial mission. The team is also investigating potential screening options for audiences in Israel and the Palestinian territories, though specific arrangements have not yet been finalized.
This release model could reshape how documentaries reach audiences, particularly for journalism-backed projects. By pairing theatrical distribution with a free online window, The Guardian may expand viewership beyond traditional cinema-goers, potentially increasing public engagement with the film's subject matter. The planned screenings in Israel and Palestinian territories could also foster broader regional discussion, though the film's reception there remains uncertain. The approach may influence how other news organizations distribute documentary work in the future.