The article discusses the controversy surrounding the documentary “No Other Land,” which won the Best Documentary Award at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The film focuses on the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, particularly Masafer Yatta, and the demolitions of Palestinian homes to make way for settlements. It follows Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham as they document the unfolding situation and develop an unlikely friendship.
Following the award, both Adra and Abraham used their acceptance speeches to criticize Israeli policies and the occupation. Abraham denounced the Israeli government and the German complicity in the Israeli military aggression. Adra highlighted the ongoing displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, urging Germany to cease arming Israel.
The film and the directors’ statements have sparked backlash, particularly against Abraham in Israel, where he has received death threats and accusations of antisemitism. Right-wing groups are actively campaigning against the film, labeling it anti-Israel. The article argues that the attacks on Abraham represent a stifling of dissent and a dangerous escalation of efforts to silence criticism of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. It portrays the film as a valuable documentation of the injustices faced by Palestinians under occupation.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/04/maeo-m04.html