The Oscar win for No Other Land in the Best Documentary category should have been a groundbreaking achievement for both Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers. Celebrated for its raw portrayal of the realities faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, the film tells a story of destruction, resistance, and the intertwining lives of two filmmakers from opposing sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, its victory at the Academy Awards became a focal point for controversy, provoking intense reactions from both the Israeli government and Palestinian critics. The film’s reception underscores the deep divides in how the world views the ongoing conflict and how art is used to challenge political narratives.
A Moment of Unity in a Divided Reality
No Other Land stands out not only for its compelling narrative but for the unique collaboration behind its creation. Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra and Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham co-directed the documentary, bringing together the voices of those directly affected by the ongoing conflict. The film documents the forced displacement of Palestinian families in the Masafer Yatta region, a process marked by home demolitions and harassment by settlers. The story of this shared struggle is underscored by the filmmakers’ own personal connection, highlighting the deep bond of friendship that transcends the boundaries set by their respective governments.
At the Berlinale Film Festival in 2024, the film garnered international praise, winning the prestigious documentary award. In his acceptance speech, Adra called for Germany to halt its weapons exports to Israel, while Abraham pointed to the stark contrast in their lives—his freedom under civilian law and Adra’s life under military rule. These statements, though not inflammatory, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, shedding light on the systemic inequality faced by Palestinians. Yet, for some, this call for justice was perceived as an affront, triggering an intense backlash both in Israel and within Palestinian political circles.
Backlash and the Politics of Art
The Academy Award win for No Other Land was supposed to be a moment of recognition for the courageous filmmaking team. Instead, it became a microcosm of the political tensions that the film seeks to document. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar wasted no time condemning the film, urging cultural institutions funded by the government to refrain from screening it. Zohar criticized No Other Land as an anti-Israel narrative, echoing a broader sentiment among Israeli officials that such content undermines the country’s image on the global stage. For Zohar, the film’s success was not a triumph of art but a “sad moment for the world of cinema,” one that he believed should be marginalized in the public sphere.
Meanwhile, the backlash was not one-sided. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) also released a statement expressing concerns about the film. While the group refrained from calling for an outright boycott, it criticized the filmmakers for not more forcefully condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. These critics pointed to the involvement of organizations that they claimed were part of the normalization of relations between Palestinians and Israelis. The tension between the two camps—those advocating for artistic freedom and those demanding more militant forms of resistance—illustrates the difficulty of navigating the deeply entrenched political landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Defying Division: The Power of Collaboration
Despite the backlash from both Israeli and Palestinian factions, No Other Land remains a powerful testament to the possibility of collaboration amidst deep-seated division. The filmmakers, Adra and Abraham, have faced significant personal and professional consequences for their work. Abraham, in particular, faced death threats and harassment upon returning to Israel after the Berlinale, a stark reminder of the risks associated with speaking out against the government’s policies. Yet, the filmmakers continue to stand by their film and its message of “co-resistance,” a term they use to describe their efforts to challenge the injustices faced by Palestinians while also acknowledging the role of Israeli allies in the struggle.
The film’s success has also brought attention to the broader implications of artistic expression in a politically charged environment. By choosing to tell a story of shared humanity rather than focusing solely on one side of the conflict, No Other Land challenges viewers to reconsider the binary narratives often presented in the media. As Adra poignantly pointed out at the Oscars, their lives are intertwined by the same forces that seek to divide them. The film is not just a documentary; it is a statement about the power of art to bridge divides and inspire dialogue in a world that often seeks to silence dissent.
A Divided Future: The Question of Solidarity
The polarizing reception of No Other Land raises an important question: Can art, in its purest form, transcend the political divides that shape its creation? The backlash against the film, both from Israeli officials and Palestinian activists, highlights the difficulty of navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film’s critics from both sides argue that it does not do enough to confront the realities of the conflict, yet the filmmakers argue that their work is not about choosing sides but about amplifying the voices of those whose stories are often ignored.
In the end, No Other Land presents a unique opportunity for global audiences to reflect on the power of collaboration and resistance in a world rife with division. As both sides continue to critique the film, the filmmakers stand firm in their belief that change can only come through mutual understanding and respect. By telling their story of shared struggle, Adra and Abraham have not only created a compelling documentary but have also opened a space for conversation and change that transcends borders and ideologies.
As the dust settles from the Oscar win and the controversy surrounding it, one thing remains clear: the story told in No Other Land is far from over. The real question now is whether the international community will allow this moment to serve as a catalyst for greater dialogue and understanding, or whether it will be drowned out by the political noise that has so often silenced the voices of those most in need of being heard.