The Isabellaissance is upon us, and we couldn’t be happier. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/pBAu87plnk
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
Israel’s Culture Minister Miki Zohar called the Oscar win for the Palestinian-Israeli documentary “No Other Land” a “sad moment for the world of cinema.” He said the filmmakers “chose to amplify narratives that undermine Israel,” especially tensions after the October 7th massacre and the ongoing conflict. “No Other Land” shows activists working against Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes in the West Bank. It highlights the work between its Palestinian and Israeli creators.
The film did not get Israeli public funding and was posted online for free.
???????? Brazil takes home Best International Feature Film for I'M STILL HERE with Walter Salles flashing a smile at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles pic.twitter.com/GlqncNzc3Z
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
Roni Aboulafia, head of the Israeli Documentary Forum, called Zohar’s comments “shameful.” She noted the challenges filmmakers face with free speech in Israel. The debate over the film comes as Israeli public funding has changed to favor commercial over politically sensitive arthouse films.
NO OTHER LAND wins the #Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film.
Made by Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal and Yuval Abraham, a collective of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, the film had its Canadian Premiere at #TIFF24. pic.twitter.com/302Q8KiK9X
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) March 3, 2025
Undermining cinema’s free speech debate
Funding for projects by filmmakers from West Bank settlements has gone up, unlike films like “No Other Land,” seen as anti-occupation. Palestinians from Masafer Yatta in the documentary see the Oscar as a boost.
“This film really means a lot to us. It uplifts our spirits and helps us move forward with confidence,” said Mohammed Jabarin, who has faced attacks from settlers and soldiers. In their speeches, the filmmakers called for justice and freedom.
Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra said, “No Other Land reflects the harsh reality we have been enduring for decades.” Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham added, “We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger.” He urged an end to Israeli destruction in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The debate over “No Other Land” shows the divided views around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and cinema’s role in those stories.
