Israel-Palestinian documentary film No Other Land wins Oscar

Israeli-Palestinian documentary film No Other Land, that delves into Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, won the Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. The film is a collaboration between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Jewish Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. It follows the two as they navigate their people’s long-standing conflict.

The documentary captures Adra’s resistance against the Israeli armed force’s displacement of Palestinians in Masafar Yatta, a community in the West Bank. It also highlights scenes of Israeli soldiers demolishing homes and evicting residents to make way for a military training zone.

Adra and Abraham, who forged an unlikely friendship during the documentary, were present at the Dolby Theatre to accept the Academy Award.

Calling for a solution without ethnic supremacy, the Israeli journalist said in his acceptance speech, “There is a different path, a political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people.

He continued, “We see each other, the atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people, which must end, the Israeli hostages brutally taken in the crime of October 7, which must be freed. When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are unequal. We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law, and Basel is under military law that destroys his life, and he cannot control. And why? Can’t you see that we are intertwined? That my people can be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free and safe. There is another way. It’s not too late for life, for the living.”

Director Adra revealed that he became a father two months ago and he hoped his daughter will not have to live the same life that he is living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions and forcible displacements.

Adra concluded, “No Other Land’ reflects the harsh reality that we have been enduring for decades and still resist as we call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”