Documentary Naza Will Premiere in U.S. Theaters
Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor will release their award-winning documentary starting September 30.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Documentary
Live Poll
Should controversial political documentaries be prioritized for wide theatrical release in your area?
Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor will release their documentary Naza in U.S. theaters, beginning with a September 30 premiere at the IFC in New York. The film features interviews with 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel.
Why it matters
The filmmakers are utilizing an innovative distribution model alongside international partners to ensure the urgent subject matter reaches a broad audience. The documentary follows the directors' previous success with the 2025 Academy Award-winning feature No Other Land.
The documentary Naza earned a 25-minute standing ovation and the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. It features testimony from 24 Israeli intelligence officers, military officers, and soldiers.
The players
Yuval Abraham
He is an award-winning filmmaker known for directing the documentary No Other Land.
Rachel Szor
She is a filmmaker and co-director who previously worked on the 2025 Academy Award-winning documentary No Other Land.
Miki Zohar
He serves as the Israeli culture minister who previously threatened to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship.
The details
The directors are self-distributing the film while collaborating with The Guardian and mk2 to secure an international release strategy. Their work has previously faced controversy, including threats from Israel's culture minister Miki Zohar to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Naza opens at the IFC in New York.
October 9, 2026: The film expands to Los Angeles theaters.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the directors' success at the 2025 Academy Awards, demonstrating how independent filmmakers are increasingly bypassing traditional studio pipelines. By leveraging international partnerships, the team is attempting to maintain control over the distribution of controversial documentary content.
Audiences in New York can access the film starting September 30, with a wider release following in Los Angeles on October 9. The filmmakers' self-distribution strategy means viewers should check local listings for ticket availability as the nationwide rollout progresses.
The takeaway
The documentary highlights the growing influence of independent directors who leverage festival acclaim to challenge traditional film distribution. Viewers interested in political documentaries should anticipate a limited release schedule that may expand based on initial audience reception.
What happens next
The film is scheduled to expand to theaters in Los Angeles on October 9, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest projects in the Documentary section.
Live Poll
Should controversial political documentaries be prioritized for wide theatrical release in your area?
