The Story Behind “No Other Land”: A Documentary of Resilience and Struggle
In 1948, Palestinian author Ghassan Kanafani and his family were forcibly removed from their home when he was just 12 years old. Decades later, in a 1970 interview, Kanafani astutely remarked on the futility of dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, likening it to “a conversation between the neck and the sword.” Such a metaphor underscores the historical power imbalance between colonizers and national liberation movements. This narrative is vividly encapsulated in the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” a collaborative Palestinian-Norwegian production directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor.
Documenting the Unyielding Spirit of Masafer Yatta
The film focuses on the residents of Masafer Yatta, a cluster of small villages in the West Bank that has been under Israeli control since 1967. In 1981, the area was designated as a military training zone, allowing the legal expulsion of its Palestinian inhabitants. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon once admitted that the purpose of these zones was to displace Palestinians rather than serve genuine military needs. Basel Adra, one of the filmmakers, grew up in Masafer Yatta and shares a personal connection to the ongoing struggle portrayed in the documentary.
In an interview with Variety, Yuval Abraham, an Israeli filmmaker involved in the project, described his awakening to the plight of Palestinians after learning Arabic. Witnessing the demolition of a Palestinian home in Jerusalem, he was moved by the sight of a father and his four-year-old daughter standing helplessly as their home was destroyed. For Basel, such scenes are a part of everyday life, his earliest memory being that of Israeli soldiers demolishing his home and arresting his father when he was just five years old.
A Chronicle of Endurance and Resistance
“No Other Land” opens with Basel recounting his experiences, supported by footage captured by his family over the past two decades. The film reveals that the Israeli actions in Masafer Yatta did not begin in 2019; they have been ongoing for years, challenging the resilience of its residents. The villagers’ sole weapon against the military’s might is their camera, hoping to invoke empathy and awareness among viewers.
Despite legal battles and appeals to Israeli courts, the residents face constant threats of eviction, their homes deemed illegal due to their location within the military zone. Building permits are unattainable for Palestinians, leaving them with no choice but to resist displacement.
The Human Cost of Occupation
Throughout the documentary, the harsh realities of life under occupation are juxtaposed with glimpses of normalcy. Families gather for meals, watch television, and children attend the solitary school in the area. Yet, these moments of tranquility are shattered by violence and destruction, such as when Israeli forces demolish the school that women and children built during the day to avoid arrest.
The film also highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, illustrating how Israeli authority is bolstered by Western support. Tony Blair’s visit in 2009 temporarily halted demolitions, underscoring the influence of international figures on the ground realities in Masafer Yatta. The documentary argues that Israel’s occupation persists due to Western economic and military backing, suggesting that true liberation for Palestinians hinges on a decisive shift in Western policy.
Resonating Beyond Borders
“No Other Land” aims to change the hearts and minds of those in power. While news images of death and destruction often desensitize viewers, documentaries possess the unique ability to establish a personal connection between audiences and the subjects on screen. This power is so profound that even a fictional dog in “Marley and Me” can elicit tears from the most stoic individuals. Documentaries, dealing with real people, have an even greater impact.
Despite winning an Oscar, “No Other Land” has struggled to secure distribution in the United States, highlighting the fear its opponents have of the truths it exposes. The documentary’s significance cannot be overstated, as it sheds light on the enduring struggle of Palestinians and the resilience of Masafer Yatta’s residents.
Kolbeinn Rastrick, a film critic for Lestarin on Rás 1, provides a compelling review of “No Other Land,” emphasizing the villagers’ reliance on their camera as their only weapon in the fight for justice. As a master’s student in film studies at the University of Iceland, Rastrick has contributed to RIFF and Stockfish film festivals, bringing a nuanced perspective to this powerful documentary.