Movies

Review: In harrowing ‘No Other Land,’ journalists unite to chronicle a community under siege

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Expressing futility in cinema can be quite challenging because narratives are typically structured around progress and challenges that may ultimately be resolved. While endings don’t necessarily need to be happy, audiences often expect some form of change or development from the initial state. Many documentaries, with a commercial audience in mind, tend to follow a traditional three-act structure unconsciously, aiming for a sense of resolution or closure. In essence, even real-life stories require a tidying up when presented on the silver screen.

In stark contrast to these thoughts, the documentary ‘No Other Land‘ presents an ongoing, inhumane tragedy without offering resolution or relief. Unlike many contemporary documentaries, it seems intent on keeping viewers immersed in sorrow with no escape or healing in sight. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, spanning over generations, is a complex issue that one might doubt could be resolved within a 95-minute film, not even one as compellingly constructed as this one.

Over a span of four years, ending approximately in October 2023, the documentary “No Other Land” immerses us into Masafer Yatta, a hilly region in the West Bank, home to 20 small villages. One of the main characters, Basel Adra, born and raised in this community, has dedicated his life to standing up against Israel’s control over their territory. The film features grainy footage of him as a child, already aware of the tensions between Palestinian inhabitants and Israeli military forces.

In his thirties now, he carries on his struggle, serving as a lawyer, journalist, and filmmaker. In the novel “No Other Land,” he first encounters Yuval Abraham, an Israeli filmmaker and reporter, who intends to document the compulsory evictions happening in Masafer Yatta. These villages, which have stood since the 19th century, are being demolished to create room for an Israeli military training base. Israel aims to eradicate these settlements, deploying troops to halt those who try to delay this process.

Awards

Despite encountering obstacles such as theft and damage to their gear, filmmakers persisted to complete ‘No Other Land,’ a documentary focusing on the West Bank. Although it’s Oscar-eligible, the movie currently lacks American distribution.

As one of the four directors for the profound film “No Other Land,” I, alongside my fellow filmmakers Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and several others, have had the unique opportunity to work together despite our countries being divided by war. Initially, I was hesitant about collaborating with Abraham, an outsider in my community. However, as we delved into the heartbreaking erasure of Palestinian villages, a deep bond formed between us, proving that even in times of conflict, unity and understanding can prevail, one frame at a time.

In simpler terms, the collaboration between these two men doesn’t bring a sense of joy or inspiration; instead, it’s marked by dismay and apprehension. The ominous sight of bulldozers approaching resembles vultures circling, ready to invade communities. Residents fiercely resist Abraham, who is unfairly blamed for the seizure of their land by his nation. Throughout, Adra and Abraham share a common goal of halting this mass displacement, but Adra highlights that while Abraham can move freely across the region, he himself as a Palestinian from the West Bank is not allowed to leave. Despite sharing the same objective, their circumstances are starkly different.

In “No Other Land,” four years of turmoil are succinctly portrayed as a progression of escalating sorrows. The filmmakers’ lenses capture the Israelis tasked with evacuating the region, frequently showing soldiers’ faces concealed behind sunglasses. Buildings are destroyed, leaving the inhabitants to seek refuge in nearby caves. Predictable phrases like “Masafer Yatta looks like a battlefield after Israeli crews pass through,” or “it seems as if a bomb exploded,” or “it’s as if a tornado flattened the area” are used. Yet, there’s no sign of aid for the residents who now inhabit this devastated land.

Adra despairingly believes that established news outlets will cover these injustices, but finds a visiting journalist discussing a similar story with a somber tone: “People only cared for a brief while.” Families in Masafer Yatta persistently rebuild their homes, only to have them destroyed by Israel again. Eventually, the military is joined by confrontational settlers who aim to enforce their control through violence. However, resistance can only carry the powerless so far.

Awards

As a movie buff, I’m thrilled to share the announcement of the nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards! These prestigious honors will be presented on March 2nd. Here’s who made the cut: The Nominees for the Oscars of 2025.

The movie “No Other Land” narrates the tale of two charming, fervent activists who are fighting against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank. While it often presents a somber perspective on their struggles, the film occasionally provides glimpses into their friendship as they converse and ponder the absurdity of their situation. Their adversary, heavily armed, never seems to weaken their determination. The documentary also highlights the boundless confidence and optimism of young people committed to a cause. However, one can’t help but question when the harshness of reality will become too oppressive for them. “No Other Land” offers a vivid portrayal of some disturbing physical encounters — reaching its peak in a scene where a man is shot in the stomach — thus challenging viewers’ beliefs that this conflict may ever find resolution.

Adra cautions that if we don’t speak out,” she says, “they will continue with their mass expulsions.” The concern here is that protesting, no matter how vocal, may not be sufficient to stop the situation.

It’s been reported that the documentary film “No Other Land,” up for the Best Documentary Feature award next month, has faced challenges in obtaining U.S. distribution. Many believe this is due to the movie’s critique of the Israeli occupation, a sensitive issue which escalated following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. This conflict resulted in heavy Israeli bombardment of Gaza, causing the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians. Notably, “No Other Land” ends right after the Hamas attack, with the tragic consequences continuing to impact communities such as Masafer Yatta and others.

The bleak outlook portrayed in “No Other Land” is significant – it’s a tool the powerful use to suppress dissent. Watching this heart-wrenching film might make you feel helpless, but ignorance about the situation is no longer an option. As Abraham puts it, “When someone watches something, they are affected. But then what?” The audience must decide the answer for themselves.

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2025-02-08 01:02

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