Israeli-Palestinian ‘No Other Land’ Wins Best Documentary at 2025 Oscars/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The powerful documentary “No Other Land”, a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Oscars. The film follows Palestinian activist Basel Adra as he documents the demolition of his West Bank hometown by Israeli forces. Co-directed by Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, the film captures the stark realities of occupation, displacement, and resistance. During their acceptance speech, Abraham and Adra called for an end to violence, condemning both the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and Hamas’ hostage-taking. The film, which was distributed in 24 countries but not in the U.S., offers a rare and intimate perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Oscar Win for ‘No Other Land’ – Quick Look
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
- Directors: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, and Hamdan Ballal
- Storyline: Chronicles Palestinian activists’ fight against displacement in the West Bank, with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham documenting the struggle.
- Filming Period: 2019–2023, ending just before Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
- Acceptance Speech Highlights:
- Abraham condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza.
- Adra called for international action to stop the displacement of Palestinians.
- Both called for a political solution ensuring equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians.
- Competing Documentaries: Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Black Box Diaries, Soundtrack to a Coup d’État.
Israeli-Palestinian ‘No Other Land’ Wins Best Documentary at 2025 Oscars
‘No Other Land’ Shines Light on West Bank Displacement
A Story of Struggle and Resistance
No Other Land follows Palestinian activist Basel Adra, who risks arrest to document the demolition of his hometown in Masafer Yatta, a rural area of the West Bank. The Israeli military has long sought to clear the area for use as a training zone, forcing entire communities from their homes.
Through handheld camcorder footage, Adra captures harrowing scenes:
- Bulldozers destroying homes and schools
- Israeli soldiers blocking access to water
- The shooting of a Palestinian man protesting the demolitions, leaving him paralyzed
Adra’s perspective is complemented by Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who embeds himself with activists. However, the film also highlights the vast disparities between the two men—while Abraham can freely leave and return, Adra is trapped under Israeli military law.
“When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are unequal,” Abraham said in his acceptance speech.
A Documentary That Almost Went Unseen in the U.S.
Despite winning awards at major festivals, No Other Land did not secure a U.S. distributor. Instead, it was picked up in 24 countries, gaining widespread recognition for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of life under occupation.
The film’s Oscar win ensures a broader audience, especially after its festival success and grassroots screenings worldwide.
Acceptance Speech: A Call for Action
On stage at the Dolby Theatre, Adra and Abraham used their platform to demand change:
- Abraham criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza
- He also called for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages
- Adra urged world leaders to stop forced evictions and human rights violations
“About two months ago, I became a father,” Adra said. “My hope is that my daughter will not have to live the same life I’m living now, always fearing settlers, violence, and home demolitions.”
U.S. Policy Under Trump Called Out
Abraham also pointed to U.S. foreign policy, saying President Donald Trump’s administration is helping to block peace efforts. His comments add to ongoing debates about America’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Final Thoughts
The Oscar win for No Other Land represents a major milestone for Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers collaborating to document real-life struggles. Its raw storytelling and global recognition ensure the film’s lasting impact on discussions about occupation, human rights, and the future of the region.
What’s next?
- Will the film now secure a U.S. distributor?
- How will global audiences react to its message?
- Can this Oscar win push policymakers to take action?
As debates around Palestine, Israel, and human rights continue, No Other Land will remain a powerful and timely film that forces the world to pay attention.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.