Movies

The co-directors of ‘No Other Land’ on Trump’s Gaza plan, the Oscars and the fight ahead

BBG News

Attempting to resolve one of the longest-standing, intricate, and seemingly unsolvable conflicts worldwide with a documentary is unrealistic. Daringly tackling the dismay and suffering at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the 2024 film “No Other Land” has garnered widespread acclaim, winning two prizes at its Berlin International Film Festival debut, being praised by major critics groups, and earning an Academy Award nomination.

The simple fact that this film was created through cooperation between individuals on opposing sides suggests that a resolution founded on shared understanding and human compassion may be achievable. This production, written, produced, edited, and directed by the four-member team consisting of Palestinians Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal, as well as Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, embodies this hope.

Over several years, this film was primarily produced before the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. It showcases Adra’s journey as he records the challenging day-to-day existence in his native town, Masafer Yata, a region within the West Bank. Israeli military personnel and settlers are depicted in the film, trying to evict the locals from their homes using bulldozers and intimidation tactics. An Israeli journalist named Abraham becomes interested in reporting on these events, and eventually forms a deep bond with Adra – both on-screen and off – that is characterized by collaboration and friendship.

As a movie reviewer, I recently had the opportunity to watch “No Other Land,” a poignant documentary that derives its title from the plea of an unknown Palestinian woman, seeking solace in the question, “Where else can we go?” With American distributors reluctant to release this powerful film, the creative team was left with no choice but to distribute it independently. Following successful screenings in New York and Los Angeles, “No Other Land” is now being shown in various cities across the nation. This documentary offers a compelling look into the lives of Palestinians and their ongoing struggle for identity and home.

Despite appearing straightforward, the tasks of promoting their film were filled with challenges. While Abraham quickly made it to Jerusalem’s airport from Paris by taxi within just a few hours, Adra faced numerous checkpoints on his way to an airport in Jordan, resulting in a grueling 30-hour journey for him.

Recently, Adra (age 28, from Masafer Yata) and Abraham (age 29, from Jerusalem) held a video conference call to talk about their joint efforts and mutual aspirations concerning their ongoing project.

Abraham commented, “The movie seems to explore extensively the contrasts between myself and Basel, as well as the pervasive inequality.” He went on to say, “It’s evident in our travels, encounters, the languages we speak, and it encompasses every aspect.

Would you be willing to share your thoughts on President Trump’s recent comments about the U.S. potentially taking control of Gaza? I’m curious, what has been the reaction in your community to this proposal?

Trump’s statements are hard to believe. I think he’s speaking from a position of power, believing that he can openly discuss breaking international law and displacing millions of Palestinians without consequences. It’s alarming because it appears that Trump doesn’t care about the Palestinians. With such immense power at his disposal, he can do whatever he wants. And unfortunately, the Israelis are taking advantage of this situation to seize more land, expand settlements, and demolish even more Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

Yuval Abraham: It’s simple to disagree with Trump’s statements due to his overt and racist nature. He’s discussing the forced removal or displacement of approximately 1.8 to 1.9 million people. However, I believe that more liberal Americans should question not just what is happening under Trump, but also what has transpired during Democratic administrations. [President] Biden did not employ his influence to put an end to it, nor did he use his influence to negotiate a truce agreement or secure the release of hostages. For decades, U.S. Democrats have prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state at the United Nations Security Council and have pursued a foreign policy that I, as an Israeli, consider disastrous for the Palestinians, primarily.

In reflection, I firmly assert that as long as the Palestinian people remain unfree and insecure, my fellow citizens’ security is compromised. Trump’s stance, while intense, represents an extreme end, but a Democratic administration four years from now might revert to the same familiar stalemate, speaking of peace and democracy while their actions steer us further away. A shift in action, particularly in foreign policy, is essential. I acknowledge that such change won’t materialize under Trump, yet I urge the Democrats who aim to succeed him in four years to develop a new, progressive foreign policy approach. This change is crucial because opposing Trump may be simple, but resisting what Biden was advocating for proved much more challenging. I believe this is where many of today’s problems in the United States originate.

Are the two of you finding yourselves more like diplomats and political advisors? Yet, at heart, you’re simply filmmakers who documented your shared journey. However, individuals such as myself are inquiring about substantial answers from you both.

Abraham: I think it’s fine since we were advocates prior to creating the film. And our activism won’t stop. We are deeply political individuals who yearn for change. Therefore, while we can discuss the film and the artistic choices we made, given the gravity and urgency of the current situation, it seems appropriate that our focus lies more on the political aspects. So, I’m comfortable with this approach, in fact.

Basel, do you see yourself as more of an activist or a filmmaker?

Adra: To be frank, I’d prefer if our circumstances were different, allowing us to focus on other aspects of life rather than this movie and activism. Regrettably, that’s not the case. We can only hope it will change someday. On a personal note, my activism has been the driving force behind this film. I view it as a tool for our ongoing activism efforts, not just a documentary about past events. It’s a reflection of current realities and daily life under occupation, aimed at educating and mobilizing the world.

Given the challenges you’ve faced in making the movie popular within the U.S., aren’t you both amazed at how far it’s spread?

Abraham: Initially, I had strong faith in our movie, but I was constantly anxious that its release would only be seen by a small group, perhaps family and friends. We were uncertain about the outcome. While I’m thrilled that the film has gained recognition now and is being discussed and written about, I feel a tinge of disappointment because we haven’t been able to secure a major distributor or streaming platform to bring the movie to U.S. audiences more easily. Sometimes, I worry that the individuals who could most benefit from watching the film in the United States may not be attending film festivals. Our aim is to specifically reach those people.

Although the political climate in the U.S. appears to be leaning heavily towards populist right-wing ideologies, I remain optimistic that a distributor will recognize the significance of our film and take it on. Given its political nature, it’s understandable why it hasn’t been distributed yet. But perhaps, with an Oscar nomination and the increased visibility this brings, we could potentially reach millions of viewers in the U.S., making it easily accessible to anyone interested in watching it.

When did you realize that you were going to have to just release it yourselves?

Abraham: It seems we spent a considerable amount of time due to our belief that following our victory in Berlin, we could secure a major distributor. However, this didn’t occur, and we then thought perhaps when we received more recognition and won another award, our film’s popularity would grow. Critics began writing favorable reviews, and gradually, the movie gained traction worldwide, except in the U.S. At some point, we realized we couldn’t keep waiting indefinitely, so we decided to distribute it independently as it was the only viable option left for us.

Things have been progressing quite positively so far. I might be overly optimistic, but it seems undeniable that there’s a strong interest in this project, as evidenced by the number of people flocking to cinemas to watch it. Additionally, I’m still holding onto the belief that a larger streaming service or television network will find the courage to back a film capable of igniting crucial discussions within the United States. It’s not necessary for everyone to concur or appreciate every movie they view. Movies serve different purposes – some are meant for escapism, while others, like ours, bring us closer to reality. In light of the ongoing situation in the occupied West Bank, it’s difficult to rationalize its existence.

Are you planning to attend the Oscars?

Abraham: Yes, that’s correct. Our goal with this film is to inform as many people worldwide about the situation in Masafer Yata, a community facing erasure. By showcasing its name on one of the world’s largest stages, we aim to assert its existence amidst decades-long attempts by Israeli military occupation to eliminate it. We aspire to attend, but we are just four people – myself, Basel, Rachel, and Hamdan. Unfortunately, Hamdan doesn’t have a visa yet, which brings us back to the question about Donald Trump’s administration and whether they will grant an Oscar nominee travel privileges and a visa. We can only wait and see as we are quite anxious about it.

Has the Academy Award nomination brought more attention to the situation in Masafer Yata?

Abraham: It’s astounding that our film, which began as a mere concept five years ago, has made it so far to be nominated for an Oscar. We worked on it under challenging circumstances, editing in a cave in Masafer Yata where we faced frequent power outages and unexpected visits from soldiers seizing cameras. It’s hard to believe that this project, which consumed so much of our time and effort, will now grace one of the world’s largest stages at the Oscars. If anyone finds themselves in a situation of injustice and yearns to share their story, we faced similar obstacles but now millions will watch our film.

As a fan: I’m thrilled that “The Academy Awards” will shine a light on more viewers worldwide, including those in the U.S., for our documentary “No Other Land.” At heart, we want people to see this film because it portrays the raw truth and everyday lives of Palestinians in this community. This movie serves as a powerful symbol of the reality faced by many Palestinians, fostering understanding and education about their situation.

Abraham: I recall that the Oscars represent a single night, and once the spotlight fades, everyone turns their attention to the next movie. However, our mission persists long into the future as we strive for a political resolution. To maintain perspective, I keep my focus on the journey ahead – whether it’s through filmmaking, journalism, or activism. The Oscar is merely a brief milestone in this ongoing endeavor, and we will continue tirelessly with our work.

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2025-02-12 14:34

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