Oscar-Winning Palestinian Filmmaker Recounts Attack and Detention in West Bank

Hamdan Ballal, co-director of 'No Other Land,' alleges abuse by settlers and Israeli soldiers, as the IDF denies mistreatment claims.

Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked by masked settlers and detained by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank on March 24.
Ballal alleges he was beaten during the attack and while in custody, claiming soldiers mocked his Oscar win as they mistreated him; the IDF denies these allegations.
Doctors confirmed Ballal sustained bruises and minor injuries but no internal harm, and he has since been released and is recovering at home.
The incident has drawn global attention to the risks faced by Palestinian activists and filmmakers, with some calling out institutions like the Academy for their silence on the matter.
'No Other Land' continues to face backlash from Israeli officials and challenges in U.S. distribution, despite its international acclaim and focus on the displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta.