The Palestinian film “No Other Land” has won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Academy Awards.
The documentary highlights the suffering of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank’s southern part, due to repeated attacks by Israeli occupation soldiers and paramilitary colonizers.
Directed by Palestinian activist Bassel Adra (29) and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham (30), the film captures Adra’s efforts to resist the forced displacement of Palestinian families in Masafer Yatta and documents the demolition of homes by Israeli forces.
Additionally, it tells the story of a Palestinian family displaced by the Israeli government to facilitate colonial expansion in the region.
Upon receiving the award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Adra said, “The film ‘No Other Land’ reflects the harsh reality we’ve endured for decades. We continue to resist and call on the world to take serious action to end the oppression and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
He added, “About two months ago, I became a father, and I hope my daughter won’t have to live the same life I do now. This film reflects the harsh reality we’ve been facing for decades, and we continue to resist.”
Abraham stated, “We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because our voices together are stronger. We see the destruction of Gaza and its people, and it must end.”
He continued, “When I look at Bassel, I see my brother, but we are not equal. We live under a governing system where I am free under civil law, while Basil is subjected to military law that destroys his life and leaves him with no control.”
He also mentioned, “There is another path—a political solution without racial superiority, ensuring the national rights of both our peoples. And I must say while I’m here, the foreign policy of this country (the United States) contributes to blocking this path.”
He concluded by saying, “Why can’t you see that our lives are intertwined? My people can truly be safe only if Bassel’s people are truly free and secure. There is another way—it is not too late.”
