Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Hamdan Ballal Recovers After Attack and Detention in West Bank

The Academy faces criticism for its silence as Ballal, co-director of 'No Other Land,' recounts his ordeal and escalating violence in Masafer Yatta draws global attention.

Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked by settlers and detained by Israeli soldiers in his West Bank village, Susiya, on March 24.
Ballal, who sustained multiple injuries, reported being blindfolded and subjected to harsh treatment during his 20-hour detention by Israeli forces.
The Israeli Defense Forces denied allegations of mistreatment, citing adherence to operational protocol, while Ballal claims he was targeted for his role in the film and his Palestinian identity.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been criticized for refusing to issue a statement supporting Ballal, contrasting with support from other film organizations such as the European Film Academy.
The incident has reignited debates on artistic freedom, human rights, and the broader context of violence and displacement in the Masafer Yatta region documented in 'No Other Land.'