Overview

• Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank on March 24, 2025.
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced criticism for an initial statement that did not name Ballal or the film, prompting over 600 members to sign an open letter condemning the response.
• On March 28, Academy leaders issued an apology, acknowledging their failure to directly address Ballal and 'No Other Land' and reaffirming their condemnation of violence and suppression of free speech.
• Ballal has since been released from detention, but he and his co-directors have expressed concerns about increased risks following the film’s Oscar win.
• 'No Other Land,' which documents the displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, has struggled to secure U.S. distribution despite its critical acclaim and financial success.