Loading ...Palestinian-Israeli Film "No Other Land" Wins Best Documentary at 97th Academy Awards
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer
On Sunday, March 2, while many were tuned in to watch the Oscars, Arabs around the world eagerly awaited the results for No Other Land, the first Palestinian-Israeli co-directed film—and it did not disappoint! The documentary, spanning four years in Masafer Yatta, captures the harsh realities of home demolitions, arrests by IDF soldiers, and the brutal killings of Palestinians. With unfiltered storytelling, it sheds light on the atrocities that took place before October 7, 2023.
As the Oscar award was presented by actress Selena Gomez and Samuel Jackson, the nominations for Best Documentary included:
Weight Lifted Off
Hearing No Other Land announced at the Academy Awards felt like a weight lifted off many shoulders. As an Arab American, seeing our Palestinian brothers and sisters’ stories reach a global stage is a victory in itself. But beyond the award, the true honor lies in the relentless dedication behind this film and the unwavering resistance of the Palestinian people. For us, this is more than just recognition—it is an award for truth, a testament to the decades of suffering and resilience on Palestinian land, now finally told through film.
Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham accepted their award with pride. The Palestinian Director/Activist, Adra highlighted:
“Thank you to the Academy for the award. It’s such a big honor for the four of us and everybody who supported us for this documentary. About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I am living now, always fearing violence, home demolitions, forced displacement that my community, Masafer Yatta, is facing every day.
Basel Adra
‘No Other Land’ reflects the harsh reality 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 Palestinian people.”
Seeing Palestinian suffering acknowledged on a global stage, with millions watching and listening, is a historic moment. The Academy Awards, a platform that has recognized diverse voices for decades, has now amplified a story long silenced. For Palestinians and Palestinian-Americans, this is more than just an award—it is a validation of the struggles their ancestors and families have endured. It’s a sign that Hollywood is finally beginning to wake up.
Israeli Director, Yuval Abraham, continues by adding:
“We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger. We see each other. The atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people, which must end; the Israeli hostages brutally taken in the crime of Oct. 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 laws, that destroy lives, that he cannot control. There is a different path, a political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people. And I have to say, as I am here, the foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path. 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.“
Yuval Abraham
This moment resonated deeply, reminding us that these two peoples are intertwined—if one cannot live in peace, the other’s existence is also shaken. Abraham’s recognition of the atrocities committed by his own government against Palestinians offers Arabs and Arab-Americans a powerful realization: many, like Yuval, understand the Palestinian struggle and are willing to stand against injustice. It’s a call to set aside ego, acknowledge shared humanity, and use whatever platform one has—as Abraham does through filmmaking—to push for real change in the system.
Filmmaking holds the power to transcend borders and break barriers in ways few other mediums can. Whether we turn to film to better understand the world or simply to escape for a moment, we must recognize its profound impact. Storytelling can inspire empathy, spark awareness, and even reshape political and social narratives. When used with purpose, film doesn’t just entertain—it enlightens, challenges, and drives change.
Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, on behalf of the Arab-American community, thank you for shining a light on the Palestinian struggle and creating space for global audiences to understand the importance of coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis on the land they both call home. No Other Land is more than just a film—it’s a powerful testament to breaking stereotypes and challenging the taboos surrounding these friendships. Thank you for sharing the raw truth, paving the way for a shift in Hollywood, and inspiring hope for a future where Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in peace.
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