In a groundbreaking achievement, the Israeli-Palestinian film No Other Country won the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night. The documentary, which has sparked significant controversy in Israel, presents a stark and powerful portrayal of life under Israeli occupation in the Masafar Yatta community in the southern Hebron Hills.
The film's win at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles was a remarkable moment for the filmmakers, who include Palestinian journalists Basel Adra and Hamdan Bilal, and Israeli filmmakers Yuval Avraham and Rachel Shor. The project, co-produced by a Norwegian company, depicts the harsh realities faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories, bringing international attention to the community's struggles.
Though initially scheduled to present the award for Best Documentary, Israeli actress Gal Gadot did not appear on stage. Instead, the Oscar was presented by Hollywood stars Samuel L. Jackson and Selena Gomez, as the world watched the ceremony live from the Dolby Theater.
Film’s Message of Unity and Resistance
On stage, Adra spoke emotionally about the personal toll of living under occupation. "I became a father two months ago, and I hope that my daughter will not have to live the life I am living now," he said, referring to the constant anxiety, fear of home demolitions, and settler violence that residents face. "No Other Country" highlights the daily struggles of Palestinians in Masafar Yatta, where forced displacement remains a looming threat.
Yuval Avraham, one of the Israeli filmmakers, shared a message of solidarity, acknowledging the unequal reality faced by Palestinians. “When I see Basel, I see my brother, but we are not equal," Avraham said. "I am free under civil law, and Basel is under military law." He called for a political solution based on equality, emphasizing the importance of national rights for both peoples.
Controversial Reception in Israel
While receiving widespread acclaim internationally, the film has been criticized in Israel. It documents the destruction caused by the war in Gaza but notably omits mention of the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7th attacks, which has drawn sharp rebuke from some Israeli officials. The film also criticizes the Israeli government's policies and the actions of settlers in the occupied territories.
Despite the backlash, the film has earned praise for its depiction of the intimate friendship between the filmmakers, especially the bond between Adra and Avraham. Their collaboration brings a unique perspective to the documentary, which has resonated with audiences worldwide.
A Historic First for Palestinian Cinema
No Other Country is the first Palestinian film to ever win an Oscar, marking a historic milestone for Palestinian cinema. The film’s success in Hollywood stands as a powerful statement for the filmmakers’ message of peace and coexistence. Avraham and Shor, though Israeli, join the ranks of past Israeli filmmakers such as Moshe Mizrahi and Guy Nativ, who have also won Oscars for their works, despite being produced as foreign films.
The Film’s Success Amidst Political Tensions
The documentary, which was independently distributed in the U.S., has become one of the most successful documentaries at the box office this year, grossing $420,000—outperforming other nominees. It has received strong support from critics' organizations across the globe and continues to spark political conversations, especially regarding Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.
The film’s win comes amidst ongoing international debates about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its depiction of Masafar Yatta’s residents shining a light on what many critics view as systematic abuses under Israeli occupation. While Israeli officials may not celebrate the film as a national achievement, No Other Country has made a significant impact on the global stage, furthering dialogue on the path toward peace and justice in the region.
Competing with Politically Charged Films
In addition to No Other Country, other documentaries that were nominated for the Oscar also dealt with political themes. These included The Porcelain War (about Ukrainian artists contributing to the fight against the Russian invasion), Sugar Cane (on the enslavement of Native American teenagers), Soundtrack to a Coup (about the CIA's involvement in Patrice Lumumba’s assassination), and The Black Box Diaries (documenting a Japanese journalist's public struggle against sexual assault). However, none of these films managed to match the global reach and success of No Other Country.
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