Israel-Palestine Film Sparks Controversy at Hamptons Film Festival

A dispute concerning the documentary "NAZA" has led to adjustments in this year's Hamptons International Film Festival programming, with organizers seeking to offer a more comprehensive view of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor raised objections on September 23 regarding the film's description in festival materials. The temple expressed concern that the festival's characterization of "NAZA" as a film that "reveals in detail the systems behind Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza" presented a disputed accusation as fact, potentially crossing into political propaganda.

The temple suggested that the festival preface the film's screening with a statement acknowledging the contested nature of the allegations, displayed on screen and provided to attendees. In response, festival co-chair Randy Mastro stated in a letter that the festival had already revised its description to note that the film's "depiction of events has caused controversy, drawn criticism, and generated intense public debate."

Mastro affirmed the festival's commitment to screening the film, stating, "The answer to speech considered offensive is not censorship; it is more speech." To provide a broader perspective, the festival announced it would premiere "The Choice," a film about Israeli families finding solace after October 7, and include an encore screening of "Holding Liat," which details the ordeal of a hostage couple and their families.

Following these screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers are planned. Additionally, as a direct result of the exchange, the festival has organized a panel discussion for Sunday featuring expert John Spencer on urban warfare, journalist Richard Behar, and Libby Lenkinski, founder of Alibi, a fund supporting storytelling about Israeli-Palestine.

The festival, which runs from October 2 to October 12 across six venues in East Hampton and Southampton, has also faced concerns from other groups, including the Jewish Center of the Hamptons and private individuals. An East End Jews for Israel rally is planned outside Sag Harbor Cinema.

"NAZA," which won an award at the Venice Film Festival, is scheduled to be screened on Saturday evening. The film is directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who also screened their work at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in September.