Oscar-winning ‘No Other Land’ documents Israeli army’s destruction
Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham attend the 97th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, March 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” sheds light on the tragic demolition of Palestinian homes by the Israeli army in Masafer Yatta, a village located in the occupied West Bank.
Directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra, the film follows the heart-wrenching story of a family fighting to protect their home from being destroyed by Israeli forces.
With footage captured over five years, the documentary highlights the forced displacement of Palestinians and their ongoing struggle against the systematic destruction of their homes and livelihoods.
A deep dive into daily struggles of Palestinians
The documentary presents shocking visuals of Israeli soldiers and settlers demolishing homes, uprooting olive trees, and destroying essential infrastructure such as water wells. The footage includes personal archives, news reports, and interviews with both Palestinians and Israelis, offering an eye-opening view of the violent realities faced by Palestinian civilians.
The filmmakers document how the Israeli army’s actions are supported by state policy, with many soldiers and settlers armed and organized to carry out these operations.
“No Other Land” takes spotlight at the 97th Academy Awards
At the 97th Academy Awards, “No Other Land” won the prestigious Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. This recognition comes as a powerful statement on the importance of documenting the ongoing injustices in Palestine.
The film’s directors, including Basel Adra and Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham, used the stage to call for an end to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, urging the international community to take action. The film has sparked debate and controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Israeli officials and supporters.
A shared vision of resistance and hope
In his acceptance speech, Yuval Abraham, one of the film’s directors, emphasized the stark contrast between his life in Israel and that of Adra, who lives under military rule in the West Bank. Abraham pointed out the inequality, stating, “I live under civilian law, while Basel lives under military rule. We are just 30 minutes apart, yet our lives are completely different.”
The film also explores the deep friendship between the filmmakers, highlighting the potential for a shared future between Israelis and Palestinians. The documentary calls for an end to apartheid and the creation of a peaceful coexistence.
International recognition and criticism
“No Other Land” has also received accolades at other prestigious festivals, including the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, where it won Best Documentary. The film has earned praise for its unflinching portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it has also drawn ire from some Israeli officials.
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar condemned the film’s Oscar win, accusing the filmmakers of distorting Israel’s image on the global stage. Meanwhile, the film’s success at festivals worldwide, including in cities like Amsterdam, Boston, Toronto, and Sao Paulo, has only heightened its impact and reach.
As the film continues to make waves internationally, its directors have used every opportunity to call for change. In his speech, Adra urged Germany to respect the UN’s calls for an end to arms sales to Israel, highlighting the ongoing massacre of Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli filmmaker Abraham faced personal threats after his outspoken statements at the Berlinale, where he denounced the ongoing Israeli policies of apartheid and violence in the occupied territories.
