Naza Directors Say Death Threats Keep Them From Returning to Israel
The directors of Naza say they cannot go back to Israel because of death threats. The filmmakers, who previously won an Oscar for No Other Land, say relatives and friends have warned them that returning would be unsafe.
Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor are among the four filmmakers who directed No Other Land, the 2025 Oscar winner for Best Documentary Feature. Their newer documentary, Naza, received the Special Jury Prize at last month’s Venice Film Festival.
The Venice debut was met with an ovation described as record-setting. The directors say family members and friends have warned that going back to Israel would put them at risk because of death threats.
The story could amplify discussion about the personal safety of documentary filmmakers whose work attracts intense public reaction. It may affect the directors’ ability to attend events in Israel and could shape how festivals and industry colleagues approach security and travel. Relatives, friends, and audiences who follow their work may also experience heightened concern, while the case could influence broader conversations about creative work and public safety.