Palestinian-"Israeli" documentary ‘No Other Land’ wins an Oscar

The documentary No Other Land, which follows Palestinian activists resisting the demolition of their communities by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), took home the Oscar for Best Documentary on Sunday.

A collaborative effort between "Israeli" and Palestinian filmmakers, the film centers on Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist who documents the destruction of his hometown in the southern West Bank. The IOF is demolishing the area to repurpose it as a military training zone. Despite Adra’s attempts to raise awareness, his efforts initially go unnoticed until he connects with "Israeli" journalist Yuval Abraham, who helps amplify his message.

“We made this film as Palestinians and Israelis because, together, our voices are stronger,” said Abraham while accepting the award. He used the moment to condemn the Israeli Occupation government's actions in Gaza, calling it “the atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people.” He also urged Hamas to release all "Israeli" captives.

After making waves on the film festival circuit, the documentary entered the Oscars as a strong contender. Although it secured distribution in 24 countries, it struggled to find a US distributor. No Other Land triumphed over Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Black Box Diaries, and Soundtrack to a Coup d’État for the prestigious award.

Filmed between 2019 and 2023, the documentary wrapped production just before the events of October 7, 2023.

Throughout the film, Abraham embeds himself within a Palestinian community fighting to remain on their land. However, he faces criticism from some Palestinians who point out his privileges as an "Israeli" citizen. While Adra is unable to leave the West Bank and is treated as a criminal, Abraham moves freely under "Israeli" civilian law.

“When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are unequal,” Abraham said on stage. “We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law and Basel is under military laws that destroy his life. There is a different path, a political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people.”

He also criticized US foreign policy under US President Donald Trump, stating it was “helping to block this path.”

The film relies heavily on footage from Adra’s personal camcorder archive, capturing the destruction firsthand. His recordings show IOF soldiers bulldozing a village school and sealing water wells with cement to prevent rebuilding efforts.

In one particularly harrowing scene, Adra documents an IOF soldier shooting a local protester who was trying to stop the demolition of his home. The man is left paralyzed, and his mother is forced to care for him while living in a cave.

Speaking onstage, Adra reflected on his personal stakes in the struggle, “About two months ago, I became a father. My hope to my daughter (is) that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions and forcible displacements. We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice.”