Academy Apologizes After Backlash Over Response to Palestinian Filmmaker's Detention

Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning 'No Other Land,' was attacked and detained in the West Bank, prompting criticism of the Academy's initial vague statement.

Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers for over 20 hours before his release.
The Academy's initial response, which failed to name Ballal or the film, was met with widespread criticism from over 600 members, including prominent actors and filmmakers.
Academy leaders Bill Kramer and Janet Yang issued an apology on March 28, acknowledging their failure to directly address Ballal and the film in their earlier statement.
The incident has amplified global concerns about the safety of filmmakers addressing politically sensitive issues and the responsibilities of institutions to support them.
'No Other Land,' which documents the forced displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, has faced distribution challenges despite its Oscar win and critical acclaim.