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Los Angeles – No Other Land, a documentary capturing the struggles of Palestinians resisting Israeli military actions in their homeland, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Oscars. The film, a collaborative effort between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, triumphed over other strong contenders, including Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Black Box Diaries, and Soundtrack to a Coup d’État.
Filmed between 2019 and 2023, No Other Land follows Palestinian activist Basel Adra as he risks arrest to document the destruction of his hometown, Masafer Yatta, in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces demolished homes in the area to use it as a military training ground, a move that Adra vehemently opposed. His fight remained largely unheard until he crossed paths with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. The two formed an unlikely friendship, with Abraham helping Adra amplify his story.
While accepting the Oscar, Adra emphasized that No Other Land portrays the harsh reality Palestinians have endured for decades. He urged the international community to take serious action against the injustices faced by Palestinians, calling for an end to the ethnic cleansing of his people.
Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham highlighted the significance of working together on the film. “Our voices are stronger when we stand together,” he said during the acceptance speech. He condemned the ongoing destruction in Gaza and called for an end to the violence. Abraham also demanded the release of Israeli hostages abducted on October 7, stressing the need for a political solution that ensures equal national rights for both Israelis and Palestinians, free from ethnic dominance.
Abraham criticized the role of the United States in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that Washington’s stance is a major obstacle to peace. “Can’t you see that we are connected? My people can only be truly safe when Basel’s people are free and secure,” he said, advocating for a new approach to security and coexistence.
Despite global acclaim, No Other Land has yet to secure a distributor in the United States. In a January interview with Variety, Abraham suggested that political sensitivities surrounding Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank have made it difficult for the film to find space in the U.S. market. “The conversation here is extremely limited, especially when it comes to criticism of Israeli policies—even in the form of a documentary,” he remarked.
As No Other Land continues to spark conversations, its Oscar win reinforces the power of storytelling in exposing human rights issues and shaping global perspectives.
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