"No Other Land" Wins Best Documentary at the 2025 Oscars: A Powerful Testament to Resistance and Storytelling
In a historic moment at the 97th Academy Awards, No Other Land clinched the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, casting a spotlight on the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict through an unflinching lens.
This powerful film is the collaborative masterpiece of Palestinian activist Basel Adra, Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, and Israeli cinematographer Rachel Szor.
No Other Land stands as a testament to the profound impact of cross-cultural collaboration. Over five years (2019–2023), the film meticulously documents the relentless challenges faced by the Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta, located in the southern West Bank. The narrative intertwines the personal and political, capturing the demolition of homes, the expulsion of residents, and the resilience of those striving to protect their ancestral lands.
JDEED takes you behind the lens of No Other Land to introduce the remarkable crew that brought this powerful documentary to life. Basel Adra, a Palestinian journalist and resident of Masafer Yatta, brings an intimate depth to the film, drawing from his firsthand experiences to create a narrative rich with authenticity and urgency. Yuval Abraham, an Israeli investigative journalist, offers a nuanced perspective on the occupation, bridging divides and fostering a conversation about shared humanity. Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian filmmaker, uses his storytelling prowess to amplify the voices of the marginalized, ensuring their struggles and resilience reach audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, Rachel Szor, an Israeli cinematographer, captures the stark realities and enduring spirit of Palestinian communities with a visual artistry that turns every frame into an unflinching yet poetic reflection of the world they inhabit. Together, this team crafts a documentary that is as viscerally emotional as it is politically urgent.
Upon receiving the Oscar, the directors utilized their platform to address the international community. Basel Adra implored global leaders to take decisive action against the injustices and ethnic cleansing faced by Palestinians. He expressed a poignant hope for a future where his newborn daughter would not endure the hardships he has faced. Yuval Abraham emphasized the stark disparities between Palestinians and Israelis, advocating for a political solution that ensures equal rights and eschews ethnic supremacy.
No Other Land not only garnered critical acclaim but also ignited conversations about the power of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering understanding. Its Oscar win underscores the pivotal role of art in challenging narratives and advocating for justice on the global stage.
