Today in Focus From the Oscars to Israeli detention: the attack on No Other Land director Hamdan Ballal – podcast
Mar 28, 2025
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Oscar Win and Subsequent Attack
- "No Other Land" won Best Documentary at the Oscars, featuring Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers.
- Director Hamdan Balal was later attacked and detained by Israeli settlers and soldiers.
Film's Focus and Uniqueness
- "No Other Land" documents the resistance of West Bank villages against Israeli eviction efforts.
- The film features the main character, Basil Adra, and his footage of demolitions and settler violence.
Collaboration and Coexistence
- The film showcases a model of coexistence with Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers collaborating.
- It includes conversations about shared safety and political solutions.
