From the Oscars to Israeli detention: the attack on No Other Land director Hamdan Ballal – podcast
Mar 28, 2025
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Adrian Horton, an Arts writer for the Guardian US, and Lorenzo Tondo, a foreign correspondent reporting from Jerusalem, dive deep into the impact of the Oscar-nominated documentary 'No Other Land'. They discuss the resilience of Palestinian villagers against military aggression and the challenges filmmakers face in a conflicted region. The conversation highlights the paradox of artistic recognition amidst rising violence and critiques the effects of Israeli annexation plans on daily life for Palestinians. Raw and thought-provoking, this discussion shines a light on the intersection of art and activism.
The attack on director Hamdan Ballal post-Oscar win illustrates the escalating dangers for Palestinian filmmakers amid Israeli military occupation.
Despite critical acclaim, 'No Other Land' faced significant distribution challenges in the U.S., highlighting obstacles for politically charged documentaries.
Deep dives
Oscar-Winning Film Highlights Occupation
The documentary 'No Other Land' received the Oscar for Best Documentary, offering a powerful portrayal of the ongoing struggles faced by villagers in Masafiriata, located in the West Bank. The film, created by a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, illuminates the harsh realities of living under Israeli military occupation, including evictions and violent settler attacks. The filmmakers share their personal experiences and hopes for a different future, particularly emphasizing the next generation's right to live free from violence and displacement. The film showcases the co-existence narrative, presenting conversations between the creators about the complexities of their intertwined lives and the necessity for mutual understanding.
Violence Against Filmmaker Underscores Ongoing Tensions
Following the film's success, Hamdan Balal, one of the co-directors, experienced a brutal attack by Israeli settlers while documenting violence in his village. During the incident, he was beaten and detained by Israeli military forces, who allegedly mistreated him while in custody, despite the IDF denying these claims. Balal's statement reflects a grim reality where increased visibility from the Oscar win has led to heightened violence against the filmmakers and their community. His situation exemplifies the dangerous intersection of art and activism within a volatile political landscape.
Challenges in Distributing Political Content
Despite winning numerous accolades, including the Oscar, 'No Other Land' faced significant challenges in securing distribution in the U.S., illustrating the difficulties for politically sensitive documentaries in the current media landscape. The filmmakers opted for self-distribution after major platforms hesitated, indicating a chilling effect on challenging content in the current political climate. Nevertheless, the film has successfully sold out screenings across various cities, demonstrating a strong public interest and demand for stories that expose injustice. This situation highlights both the power of compelling documentaries and the complex realities that creators face when addressing contentious political issues.
What does the attack on an Oscar-winning Palestinian director say about the situation in the West Bank today? Adrian Horton and Lorenzo Tondo report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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