By Ehsan Ibrahim
Robert Downey Jr. once remarked that if money is the devil, then Wall Street is hell. Yet, in today’s world, empathy has become the most egregiously traded commodity, and its reserves are running perilously low. No Other Land stands as a stark reminder of what happens when empathy is depleted: when stories of displacement and resistance are silenced, and the humanity of an entire people is reduced to a political bargaining chip. This Oscar-winning documentary, following Masafer Yatta-born Basil Adra, dares to replenish those dwindling reserves, compelling us to view.
Yet, there is a bitter irony here. A film that so powerfully exposes the systemic demolition and dehumanisation of Palestinians and their homes in the West Bank struggles to find a home of its own. Despite its critical acclaim, No Other Land remains absent from major international streaming platforms and US distributors - a glaring testament to the very erasure it seeks to combat.
Immediately, viewers are taken to Masafer Yatta a village situated in the West Bank where Palestinian families have faced the constant threat and or actual eviction and demolition of their homes. Through the lens of Adra, a Palestinian activist, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, the film captures the resilience of a community fighting to preserve its way of life. The documentary’s raw, intimate style immerses the audience in the daily struggles of its subjects, from children playing in the rubble to elders recounting decades of displacement.
What sets No Other Land apart is its collaborative approach. By bringing together Palestinian and Israeli voices, the film aims to challenge the binary narratives often imposed on the conflict. It’s not just a story of oppression and resistance but also one of shared humanity and solidarity.
The film’s Oscar win in 2024 was a historic moment, marking a rare instance of Palestinian stories being celebrated on the global stage. But with recognition came controversy. The filmmakers’ acceptance speech, which called for an end to the occupation and a just resolution to the conflict, sparked backlash from some.
The Israeli government’s response to No Other Land has been notably muted, reflecting its broader stance on media that critiques its policies. While the Israeli government has not issued an official statement addressing the documentary, its culture minister took to X, formerly Twitter, calling the film’s Oscar success a “sad day for cinema”. The irony shouldn’t be lost on anyone, as No Other Land does not depict fiction but exposes the very real suffering of Palestinians under occupation. In recent years, laws targeting NGOs and activists who document human rights abuses in the West Bank have created a chilling effect, making films like No Other Land even more vital.
The documentary’s success has drawn criticism from pro-Israeli groups, who argue that it presents a one-sided view of the conflict. Yet, the film’s collaborative nature featuring both Palestinian and Israeli voices simply undermines this particular criticism, offering a nuanced perspective often absent from mainstream discourse. Interestingly, the documentary has also faced rejection from some within the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, BDS, movement, who view its Israeli co-director, Yuval Abraham, as complicating their narrative of unilateral oppression. This dual rejection from opposing extremes underscores a profound truth: No Other Land occupies a rare and vital space in the political centre, where dialogue and coexistence are still possible. By refusing to cater to the fringes, the film reminds us that peace is not found on either side but in the often-overlooked middle ground, where empathy and shared humanity can flourish.
The documentary’s success challenges the status quo, proving that there is an appetite for stories that humanise the conflict. It joins a growing list of films, like 5 Broken Cameras and The Present, that have sought to shed light on the Palestinian experience. But No Other Land stands out for its collaborative approach, offering a vision of coexistence even in the face of adversity. No Other Land is a testament to this power. By putting a human face on the conflict, it forces viewers to confront the realities of occupation and displacement.
No Other Land is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video or All 4.
Produced by: Fabien Greenberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning
No Other Land sheds light on the struggles of Palestinian families in Masafer Yatta, facing eviction and destruction. Through Basil Adra and Yuval Abraham, the documentary captures the resilience of a displaced community. Despite winning an Oscar, the film remains unavailable on major streaming platforms, highlighting the suppression of critical narratives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying unheard voices and untold stories. Just as access to truth is vital, so is access to academic support like Nursing Assignment Help uk for students facing challenges.