• The documentary 'No Other Land' won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards.
• Filmmakers called for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in their acceptance speeches.
• The film depicts the struggles of Palestinians facing home demolitions and settler violence in the West Bank.

At the 2025 Academy Awards, The Hill reported that the Oscar-winning film 'No Other Land' has captured global attention by addressing the harsh realities faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. In their acceptance speech, co-directors Basel Adra, a Palestinian journalist, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, emphasized the need for a political solution that respects the rights of both peoples. Adra expressed hope for a better future for his newborn daughter, while Abraham highlighted the inequality faced by their communities.

With powerful visuals and personal narratives, the film follows Adra as he documents the Israeli military's destruction of his hometown, Masafer Yatta, and the emotional toll of forced displacements. In a bid to amplify their message, both directors urged the world to take action against what they described as the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.

The film's acclaim has been met with criticism from Israeli officials, including Culture Minister Miki Zohar, who denounced it as harmful to Israel’s global image. In retaliation, the Israeli government is reexamining public funding for films that address politically sensitive topics, which has sparked outrage within Israel's film industry. NPR described the sentiments within the film community as a challenge to free speech amidst growing restrictions.

The film, produced over four years between 2019 and 2023, showcases personal footage of the destruction of homes, revealing the day-to-day fears experienced by residents like those in Masafer Yatta. Activist Mohammed Jabarin expressed that the film has greatly uplifted the spirits of his community, a sentiment echoed among many Palestinian viewers seeking international awareness of their plight.

As the award continues to resonate globally, it raises critical questions about accountability and justice in a conflict marked by deep-rooted grievances. The filmmakers emphasize that their voices, united, foster hope for a future of peace and equity, asserting that true security for Israelis rests on the freedom of Palestinians.

For more details about the documentary and its impact, check out Reuters and Al Jazeera.