Israeli-American Council Leads Protest Outside L.A. Screening of Documentary NAZA
During a Friday screening of NAZA at Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood, dozens of Israeli-Americans and Jewish community members protested outside the theater. The documentary is by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who have described it as an examination of Israeli responsibility for Palestinian civilian deaths. The Israeli-American Council organized the protest and also demonstrated at the film's New York Film Festival premiere, saying audiences should hear survivors and see fuller context.
Friday, outside Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood, dozens of Israeli-Americans and Jewish community members protested during a NAZA screening. Some wore Israeli and U.S. flags. The Israeli-American Council organized the demonstration, following its protest at the film’s September New York Film Festival premiere, where Nova survivors Rom El-Hai and Shalev Biton spoke.
NAZA, by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won Venice’s Special Jury Prize and began U.S. theatrical release Friday. The directors said they felt obligated as Israelis to examine structures enabling Palestinian civilian deaths. Protesters showed Oct. 7 images and hostage-return posters; IAC co-chair Tal Shuster called for screenings to add survivor testimony and more context.
The protests may deepen public debate over how documentaries frame conflict, potentially affecting audiences, filmmakers, and cultural venues. Jewish and Israeli community members could feel their concerns about context are being heard, while Palestinian and allied viewers may see the demonstrations as pressure on artistic expression. Theatres and festivals may face harder choices about panels, security, and programming. The film’s reception could shape discussions about whose narratives are included in screenings.