Academy Apologizes to Palestinian Filmmaker After Global Backlash

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

Hamdan Ballal, Palestinian filmmaker and co-director of 'No Other Land,' was attacked by settlers and detained by Israeli forces near his home in the West Bank before being released after 24 hours.
The attack and detention have drawn international attention to systemic violence in the West Bank and the risks faced by artists documenting such struggles.
Over 700 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including prominent actors and filmmakers, signed an open letter condemning the Academy's initial failure to directly address Ballal's case.
Under mounting pressure, the Academy issued an apology on March 28, acknowledging its earlier omission of Ballal and his film in its statement condemning violence against artists.
The incident has reignited discussions about freedom of expression, institutional accountability in the arts, and global solidarity with Palestinian struggles.