NAZA Documentary Draws 1.5 Million Viewers Worldwide in 2026
The documentary NAZA is emerging as one of the most successful theatrical documentary releases of 2026, attracting more than 1.5 million viewers across international markets. The film, which examines the war in Gaza and alleged military targeting practices, has generated considerable audience interest, achieved impressive box-office results and expanded its theatrical presence across several countries.
According to the latest figures available as of November 6, the documentary had attracted 1,547,033 cinema admissions across 47 territories. Its international box-office earnings reached approximately $13.5 million, excluding the United States, where it has generated more than $1 million.
The performance is particularly notable for a documentary dealing with a politically sensitive subject rather than conventional mainstream entertainment.
A Documentary Behind Global Attention
NAZA is directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who previously gained international recognition for their Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.
Produced by The Guardian and JW Films, the documentary explores allegations surrounding Israel's military operations in Gaza, particularly the use of intelligence systems and technology in identifying targets.
The film includes testimony from Israeli military and intelligence personnel whose identities are concealed. Their accounts examine how targeting decisions are made and the potential consequences for civilians.
The documentary received the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026, helping establish its international profile before its wider theatrical release.
Its subject matter, investigative approach and festival recognition have contributed to discussions surrounding the film well beyond traditional documentary audiences.
Italy Becomes Its Biggest Market
Italy has emerged as the strongest theatrical market for NAZA. The documentary has recorded 717,517 admissions in the country, making it the third most-watched documentary of all time in Italian cinemas.
Only Fahrenheit 9/11 and March of the Penguins have attracted larger theatrical audiences in Italy.
The film initially opened in the country on September 29 through distributor I Wonder, shortly after its Venice premiere. Strong audience demand encouraged cinemas to extend its theatrical run.
By November 6, it was still screening in 379 cinemas, demonstrating that interest had continued beyond its initial release period.
Its Italian performance is particularly significant because documentary films generally operate with different commercial expectations from major studio releases. The ability to attract audiences over an extended theatrical window indicates that the film has developed substantial public interest.
Strong Results Across European Markets
Beyond Italy, NAZA has delivered encouraging results in several European countries.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, distributor Dogwoof released the documentary on October 15. Its launch included a special screening at London's Ritz, attended by directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, producer Jim Wilson and executive producer Jonathan Glazer.
The event also featured a live question-and-answer session that was broadcast to another 104 cinemas. More than 7,000 admissions were recorded through this special screening event alone. The documentary subsequently reached 102,509 admissions across the UK and Ireland.
France also delivered a notable result. The film attracted more than 82,000 admissions during a specially organised 48-hour theatrical release. It screened in over 260 cinemas, with almost 500 screenings taking place over two days.
It also topped the French box office on both days, highlighting the level of audience interest during its limited theatrical availability.
Germany recorded 83,355 admissions, while Austria attracted more than 16,521 viewers. In Spain, where the film opened on October 9 across 105 screens, admissions reached 61,783 by November 6.
The Benelux region recorded 132,323 admissions, while Switzerland attracted more than 50,000 viewers.
North American Distribution Expands
The United States and Canada have also contributed to the documentary's international performance.
Initially, the film entered the American theatrical market through a self-release strategy handled by Michael Tuckman's mTuckman Media.
However, distributor NEON joined the project in late October to expand its presence in the American market and build on its initial theatrical performance.
Since its September 30 release, NAZA has recorded 83,673 admissions across the United States and Canada.
The involvement of an established distributor could help the documentary reach additional cinema audiences and strengthen its position in the North American market.
The film has also attracted audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Indonesia, Romania, Thailand, Poland, Mexico and Japan, demonstrating its reach beyond Europe and North America.
Why NAZA's Box-Office Performance Matters
The success of NAZA offers an interesting example of how documentary films can find commercial audiences internationally.
Unlike conventional theatrical releases, documentaries often depend on a combination of critical recognition, public discussion, specialist distributors and audience interest in real-world issues.
In this case, the film's Venice recognition, international distribution partnerships and special cinema events have helped build momentum across different markets.
Its performance also demonstrates the importance of theatrical distribution strategies. The UK live screening event and France's concentrated two-day release show how distributors can create audience engagement through approaches that differ from conventional cinema launches.
Another important factor is the film's international availability. Releasing across 47 territories has allowed it to reach audiences with different cultural and political perspectives, rather than depending on a single domestic market.
However, strong admissions do not automatically guarantee similar results for every documentary. The subject, timing, distribution network and level of public interest all influence theatrical performance.
What Comes Next for the Film?
With its international theatrical run continuing, NAZA has already established itself as a major documentary success of 2026.
Its reported worldwide audience of more than 1.54 million represents a significant achievement for a film focused on an ongoing international conflict.
The documentary is also expected to receive a free global streaming release through The Guardian's website in early December 2026, potentially introducing it to viewers who have not had access to theatrical screenings.
This next stage could significantly expand its overall audience beyond cinema admissions.
For the documentary industry, NAZA provides an important example of how investigative filmmaking can move beyond film festivals and specialist screenings to achieve substantial international theatrical reach.
Its final box-office performance will depend on how long cinemas continue screening it and how audiences respond to its wider distribution. Nevertheless, its current numbers place it among the most prominent theatrical documentary releases of the year.
