At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, "No Other Land," a poignant documentary highlighting the Israeli displacement of a Palestinian community, was honored with the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. The film is a collaborative effort between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who dedicated five years to its creation.
"No Other Land" provides an unflinching look into the experiences of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, a region in the West Bank, as they face home demolitions and evictions by Israeli forces aiming to establish a military training area. The documentary juxtaposes the lives of Adra and Abraham, highlighting the stark contrasts in freedom and mobility between Palestinians and Israelis.
In their acceptance speech, both directors addressed the ongoing conflict and the role of international politics. Adra called on the global community to take decisive action against the injustices faced by Palestinians, emphasizing the need to halt what he described as ethnic cleansing. Abraham underscored the disparity in freedoms between Palestinians and Israelis, advocating for a political solution that ensures equal rights for both communities.
Despite its critical acclaim and international recognition, "No Other Land" has encountered distribution challenges in the United States, which Abraham attributes to political reasons. Nevertheless, the film has been independently released in nearly 100 theaters, reflecting a strong demand and interest in its narrative.
The Oscar win for "No Other Land" not only acknowledges the film's artistic and narrative strength but also brings global attention to the pressing issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging renewed discussions and actions toward a just resolution.