The Academy Award for Best Documentary went to No Other Land (IMDB) on Sunday, a powerful film chronicling Palestinian activists’ fight to protect their communities from destruction by the Israeli military.
The documentary, a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, follows Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist risking arrest to document the demolition of his hometown in the West Bank. Israeli forces are clearing the area to repurpose it as a military training zone. Adra’s attempts to stop the destruction largely go unheard – until he forms an unlikely alliance with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who helps amplify his story to a broader audience.
“We made this film as Palestinians and Israelis because, together, our voices are stronger,” said Abraham during his acceptance speech. He used the moment to condemn what he called “the atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people” and also called for the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Coming into the Oscars as a strong contender following a successful festival run, No Other Land triumphed over nominees Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Black Box Diaries, and Soundtrack to a Coup d’État. Despite securing distribution in 24 countries, the film did not land a U.S. distributor.
Filmed over four years, from 2019 to 2023, the documentary wrapped production just before October 7, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza. Throughout the film, Abraham embeds himself within the Palestinian community facing forced displacement. However, he grapples with his own privileges as an Israeli citizen. Adra, restricted to the West Bank, describes feeling like a prisoner in his homeland, while Abraham is free to come and go.
“When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are not equal,” Abraham said on stage. “I live under civilian law, while Basel lives under military law that dictates his life. There is another way forward—one that rejects ethnic supremacy and embraces national rights for both our peoples.”
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