“No Other Land”: The Collective Behind the Oscar-Nominated Documentary
Feb 11, 2025
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Basel Adra, a Palestinian filmmaker, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli filmmaker, join to discuss their Oscar-nominated documentary "No Other Land," which highlights the demolition of Palestinian homes. They reveal how the film was created as an act of activism aimed at raising political awareness. Abraham points to a systemic denial of building permits for Palestinians, while Adra reflects on the deteriorating political landscape since filming began. Together, they emphasize the urgency of addressing these humanitarian crises and inspiring societal change.
The documentary 'No Other Land' highlights the political dynamics of home demolitions and the systematic denial of building permits for Palestinians in the West Bank.
Filmmakers Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham emphasize the importance of personal narratives in fostering understanding and mobilizing activism for change in the region.
Deep dives
Trump's Controversial Proposal
Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza and ethnically cleanse the region of Palestinians raises profound ethical and political concerns. The idea of transforming Gaza into a luxurious destination, as suggested by Trump, reflects a troubling dismissal of the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians. This proposal aligns with the Israeli government's ongoing plans to strengthen control over the West Bank, characterized by military actions against protests and home demolitions. Such political rhetoric highlights the normalization of violence and displacement in the region, exacerbating existing tensions.
The Documentary 'No Other Land'
The documentary 'No Other Land' sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, showcasing their struggles against home demolitions and military occupation. Filmmakers from both Palestinian and Israeli backgrounds collaborated to illustrate the ongoing conflict, providing a platform for voices that challenge prevailing narratives. Through the film, personal stories of hardship and resilience are presented, offering a poignant examination of the impact of settler expansion and military compliance on local communities. The footage documented by the filmmakers serves as critical evidence, pushing back against the claims made by authorities regarding illegal constructions.
Personal Narratives and Political Responsibility
Filmmakers Basil and Yuval highlight their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex human stories behind the headlines. Their experiences underscore the necessity for Israelis to confront their political beliefs and take responsibility for the realities in Palestinian territories. As the documentary circulates globally, it aims to inspire viewers to engage in activism and demand political accountability from their governments. Ultimately, both filmmakers express a hope that by sharing these narratives, audiences will recognize their complicity and strive for change in the ongoing struggle for justice in the region.
The film “No Other Land” has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, and to unpack the film’s message David Remnick speaks with two of the directors, Basel Adra, who lives in the West Bank, and Yuval Abraham, who lives in Jerusalem. The documentary takes a particular focus on the demolitions of Palestinian homes overseen by the Israeli military which often involve a lack of building permits. “You very quickly realize that it’s a political issue,” Abraham explains. “The Israeli military declines almost ninety-nine per cent of Palestinian requests for building permits. . . . There is a systematic effort to prevent” construction of homes for a growing population. “We made this movie from a perspective of activism,” Adra tells Remnick, “to try to have political pressure and impact for the community itself.” But, since they began filming, the political situation has deteriorated severely, and “all the reality today is changing . . . to be more miserable.” “No Other Land” is opening in select major cities this weekend.
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