The Israeli‑American Council staged a protest on Saturday afternoon outside the New York Film Festival’s premiere of the documentary NAZA. The group, which has long campaigned against what it calls “anti‑Israel” media, said the film “makes serious allegations about the IDF’s conduct in the Gaza Strip while ignoring findings and information that contradict its claims” and “fails to present the full context of …” the events it depicts.
During the demonstration, the council’s banner read “Compassion For Palestinian Civilians Doesn’t Require Us to Erase October 7,” a statement that echoed the film’s controversial focus on the 7 October attack. The protestors gathered in front of the theater as the film’s premiere drew a mixed crowd of critics, filmmakers and supporters.
“NAZA” has been described by its creators as a critical look at the Israeli Defence Forces’ actions in Gaza, but the council argues that the documentary presents a one‑sided narrative. “It ignores evidence that contradicts its claims,” the council said in a statement released after the protest.
The New York Film Festival, which opened its program with the film, did not comment on the protest. The event was part of a broader debate over how the conflict in Gaza is portrayed in the media and the role of film in shaping public opinion.
<small>Source: Variety — read the original story there.</small>
