Academy Apologizes for Initial Response to Attack on Palestinian Filmmaker Hamdan Ballal

The Academy formally acknowledged its failure to support Ballal after his assault and detention, emphasizing its stance against violence and censorship.

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 initially issued a vague statement that did not name Ballal or the film, drawing widespread criticism from its members and the film community.
In response to backlash, including an open letter signed by over 800 Academy members, the Academy convened an emergency board meeting on March 28 and issued a formal apology later that day.
The Academy's revised statement explicitly condemned the violence against Ballal, acknowledged its earlier shortcomings, and reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and artistic freedom.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by artists addressing politically sensitive issues, as well as the broader context of escalating violence in Masafer Yatta and the West Bank.