You Won’t Believe Why ‘No Other Land’ Is a Must-Watch Documentary

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Documentaries have traditionally focused on external subjects, yet with advancing generations and technology, they’ve increasingly turned the camera inward, adopting a selfie-like perspective. Over the last decade or so, documentaries have moved towards exploring the filmmakers themselves, mirroring the way social media has evolved into a global, interconnected documentary project featuring humanity as its subject. This new trend of self-documentation, where individuals assert their existence with small yet powerful voices, is now commonplace among younger generations. This is essentially what documentaries are about – recording the state of something for all to witness. For the creators of No Other Land, this act is as much about artistic expression as it is about survival.

No Other Land” is steered and edited by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor, a team of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers who have been chronicling the community of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank for several years. Cameras are frequently employed to ensure accountability and deter brutality (think bodycams and smartphones), and in the West Bank, recording acts of violence can literally mean the difference between life and death. Israel’s attempt to ethnically cleanse the West Bank is a brutally violent one that is universally condemned. Regrettably, it continues unabated. The Israeli government recognizes the potency of images and videos (hence their restrictions on journalists in Gaza), and is aware that documenting their most reprehensible actions could push global criticism to a tipping point.

No Other Land acts as a protective barrier for its creators. It’s a battle cry for just causes and an unbiased firsthand account of a tragedy, yet it transcends these roles. It delves into themes such as friendship, power dynamics, human endurance, the essence of protest, the perseverance needed for political transformation, and the core principles of documentary filmmaking. Widely regarded as the top documentary of 2024, it was also nominated for an Oscar in that category. However, its limited release in America is due to its controversial subject matter. But don’t worry, it can be found playing at select theaters and is accessible online if you know where to look. You can find more details about its availability at the end of this article.

You Can Leave Any Bias at the Door for ‘No Other Land’

Initially, it’s important to acknowledge that certain assumptions about “No Other Land” may draw some viewers in while pushing others away. For example, if someone believes the West Bank belongs to Israel, they might find themselves at odds with this movie simply due to its existence. However, this shouldn’t necessarily prevent anyone from watching it.

As a passionate fan, I’d rephrase it like this: Regardless of one’s personal views, Basel Adra, co-filmmaker of No Other Land, resides in the West Bank – a place where he strives to exist. Whether you find common ground with Adra politically or not, whether you believe that he has the right to live on land his ancestors have inhabited for generations, this film will undeniably move you by showcasing his humanity and zeal. You’ll certainly not view him as an “animal,” a term Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant unfortunately used when referring to Palestinians.

To put it simply, the movie “No Other Land” stands out as a deeply personal and remarkable production for most viewers. It’s essential to understand that the West Bank is traditionally Palestinian land, with records dating back to the 19th century. Israel, however, perceives it as their own territory and has been attempting to construct settlements and military training grounds there for many years. Following a protracted legal battle and Israel’s assertion of ownership, they commenced what they refer to as “mowing the grass,” which essentially means destroying ancient villages, schools, and playgrounds with bulldozers. The filmmakers position us as the ones being demolished by these bulldozers.

The Cycle of Destruction & Protest in the West Bank

As a movie critic, I found myself deeply moved by the documentary “Through My Lens,” which chronicles the life and activism of Adra. Much like his father before him, Adra is a beacon of resistance against political oppression. The camera has been an integral part of Adra’s life, capturing not only his personal growth but also the resilience of his village, Masafer Yatta, over the years.

Adra’s journey mirrors the generational cycle of struggle that the Palestinians have faced since their displacement during the Nakba of 1948 (and even under British colonial rule before that). As time progresses, we witness Adra transition from being in front of the camera to becoming its wielder, as activism often becomes a family tradition. His dedication to documenting their struggle serves as a testament to their unwavering spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.

In “No Other Land,” there’s a deep sensitivity towards the recurring wave of protests and its draining effect on individuals. Resilience is evident, yet so are feelings of despair and exhaustion. At times, Basel and his new companion, Yuval Abraham, seem to edge towards a rationalized hopelessness. This is not surprising given the Israeli forces’ relentless bulldozing of Palestinian villages into ruins. As one character in the film notes, Israelis are proficient at destruction, while Palestinians excel at construction. The vicious cycle persists as Basel and the residents of Masafer Yatta stand firm on their land, unwilling to abandon it.

In the gripping narrative of “No Other Land”, there are instances that become heart-poundingly critical, situations where life hangs in the balance. The ground and heavens seem to convulse as Basel dashes for safety, camera clutched tightly, while we listen to his labored breaths, a testament of fear as he evades capture by pursuing military personnel. To put it simply, this movie isn’t merely a selfie; it’s a poignant portrayal of survival through the artist’s lens.

A Palestinian and an Israeli Walk Into a Bar…

As a movie critic immersed in the complexities of the Middle East, I found myself captivated by Yuval’s unique perspective. Unlike many Palestinians, he can move freely between the West Bank and Israel, granting him an intimate understanding of both sides. In his interactions with Basel’s family, Palestinian villagers, and the IDF, the power imbalance is evident yet tempered by empathy and acceptance.

Yuval, in many ways, mirrors Paul Atreides from Dune – a character who is keenly aware of his privileged position and yearns to relinquish it to aid the oppressed. His journey offers a compelling narrative that invites us to question our own positions and strive for understanding in the face of adversity.

The bond between Basel and Yuval is profoundly moving as it unfolds, with them sharing their aspirations, reminiscences, sorrows, and strategies for peaceful protest. Yuval resides with Basel’s family, dines with them, and assists in rebuilding. He endeavors to shield Palestinians from harm by IDF forces, understanding that they wouldn’t harm an Israeli like him. However, resentment and animosity are evident on some faces, with one individual calling Yuval a race traitor and threatening his life. Forced to abandon their homes in Israel due to persecution by an extremist group, they have had to relocate. In the end, Yuval can drive away from this place, leaving a desolate Basel waving goodbye as his car’s headlights disappear down the dark road, which is heartrending to witness.

In addition to the captivating themes in the movie, there are several other compelling characters as well. Similar to Fellini’s “Amarcord”, for most of “No Other Land”, we delve into the lives of a quaint village’s diverse residents, learning about them and their struggles. Basel’s father appears to be one of the most remarkable individuals you could ever meet, yet this portrayal feels authentic, not forced. The film avoids being overly sentimental or dramatic, ensuring that viewers never feel manipulated. Instead, it presents people as they truly are, without idealizing them. This is their daily existence.

The Palestinian Future, or Lack Thereof

After observing a span of five years pass in the novel “No Other Land“, and being aware of the current situation in the Middle East, it’s disheartening to realize that not much progress has been made for the West Bank. Lately, settlers have ignited fires in the region, and tensions have escalated. There are concerns that Netanyahu might unilaterally annex the West Bank with assistance from the Trump administration.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which started on January 19, 2025, has been widely praised following a 15-month period that Amnesty International refers to as a genocide in Gaza. According to official reports, at least 47,283 Palestinians have died during this time (with the actual number likely being significantly higher), and over 111,000 more have been injured. The violence began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas forces were responsible for killing 1,195 Israelis and taking 248 hostages.

Although the truce between Israel and Hamas has been announced, it’s clear that the conflict is far from resolved. Just hours after the ceasefire was established, an Israeli sniper fatally shot a 12-year-old child in Gaza. Furthermore, as Palestinian residents tried to return to their destroyed homes in the north, Israeli forces have resumed firing, causing additional casualties and injuries among Gazan civilians.

In essence, one could wonder what the significance of this documentary was. Why create No Other Land? This film has served as a powerful lens into the ongoing struggle of Masafer Yatta, shedding light on events that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. Moreover, it’s been decades since the West Bank received such attention, and No Other Land has achieved this by winning prestigious awards like the Berlinale Documentary Award, the Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary Film, and even receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film. While it may not directly influence the American government’s weaponry aid to Israel, it could potentially bring the Palestinians a step closer to their freedom.

Starting January 31, 2025, the unique New York City theatrical run of ‘No Other Land’ kicks off at Film Forum. Check showtimes, purchase tickets, and gather more info here. For those in the UK and Ireland, you can stream ‘No Other Land’ online through Dogwoof Releasing or BFI Player; a VPN with a UK setting might enable you to watch the film from anywhere globally.

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2025-01-27 22:33