Oscar 2025: Palestinian Film “No Other Land” Wins Best Documentary Award

Los Angeles, 3 March – (www.deccanlive.com): The Palestinian film “No Other Land” won the Best Documentary Film award at the 2025 Oscars. The film faced challenges in the United States, where no distributor wanted to screen it.

This documentary tells the story of a Palestinian man suffering under Israeli oppression. After winning the award, the film’s director and his Israeli journalist friend became very emotional.

The film follows Basil Adra, a young Palestinian, as he documents the destruction of his hometown, Masafer Yatta, in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers. It also highlights his growing friendship with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who understands the restrictions and discrimination Adra faces.

When the four directors walked towards the stage to accept the award, the audience gave them a standing ovation.

The film “No Other Land” had already won multiple awards before the 2025 Oscars. In February 2024, it received the Audience Award and Best Documentary Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. It was also awarded Best Non-Fiction Film by the New York Film Critics Circle.

Since no distributor was willing to screen the film in the United States, the filmmakers decided to show it for one week in November at Lincoln Center to make it eligible for the Oscars.

While accepting the award, Basil Adra became emotional. He said:

“Two months ago, I became a father. I hope my daughter does not have to live the same life I have. I have always been afraid of violence from settlers, house demolitions, and forced displacement. My community, ‘Masafer Yatta,’ faces these struggles daily under Israeli occupation. This film does not fully capture the harsh reality we have endured for decades. We call on the world to take serious action to stop the injustice and prevent the genocide of the Palestinian people.”

At the event, Yuval Abraham spoke about the film’s purpose, saying:

“We made this film for both Palestinians and Israelis because our voices are stronger together. We see each other—the brutal destruction of Gaza and its people must end. Israeli hostages must be freed.”

He also briefly criticized the U.S. government’s unwavering support for Israel, despite serious human rights violations.

“The foreign policy of this country is blocking the path to peace. Can’t you see that we are connected? If Basil’s people are truly free and safe, only then can my people be truly safe. There is another way—live and let live.”