Palestinian film No Other Land: A living testament to a people's resilience

Documentary cinema is one of humans’ most powerful means of expression. It does not merely document events but also opens a window to emotions, truths, and conflicts that may otherwise remain unknown to the world.

The power of documentary cinema lies in its ability to depict reality in all its details. Often, it becomes the only platform for the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed. Palestinian documentary cinema, in particular, highlights the suffering of the Palestinian people in the face of occupation and displacement. It tells stories that no military force can erase—stories that bear witness to a people's unwavering resilience in holding onto their identity and land despite the occupation’s ongoing attempts to uproot and erase this identity.

Every scene and frame in No Other Land carries a powerful message: resistance can also be expressed through art.

Palestinian documentaries are not just means for preservation and documentation; they are a tool of resistance and a cultural weapon. They narrate history through individual experiences and everyday struggles. Through these films, Palestinians speak of their right to return, their relentless pursuit of freedom, and their ongoing fight for survival.

Among the films that shed light on unseen aspects of life under occupation is No Other Land, a joint Palestinian-Norwegian production directed by Palestinian activist and filmmaker Basel Adra and Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham, with additional contributions from Hamdan Ballal and Rania Szor. On Sunday, March 2, the film won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film in a historic night that stood with the Palestinian narrative in the pursuit of justice and freedom.

Palestinian documentaries are not just a means of documentation; they are a tool of resistance and a cultural weapon. They narrate history through individual experiences and everyday struggles. Through these films, Palestinians speak of their right to return, their relentless pursuit of freedom, and their ongoing fight for survival.

This victory does not merely represent a cinematic achievement; it is a triumph for the voice of the Palestinian people at one of the film world's most prestigious nights. No Other Land stands as a testament to the Palestinian struggle against forced displacement in Masafer Yatta, one of the West Bank areas threatened with expulsion. Produced in a simple yet powerful style, the film captures the battle of Palestinians defending their land and identity against relentless attempts by the occupation to seize them.

To fully grasp No Other Land, it must be viewed within the historical and political context in which Palestinians have lived under for decades.

The film’s scenes do not merely document a harsh present; they are part of a long-standing struggle that began with the 1948 Nakba, continuing with the massacres committed against Palestinians throughout history, and extending through the 1967 occupation of the West Bank; most recently, the violence has culminated in the genocidal war on Gaza.

Masafer Yatta, where the film takes place, is one of the areas under constant threat of displacement due to Israeli settlement expansion. Despite ongoing efforts by the occupation to undermine Palestinian identity and deny their right to the land, the people there remain steadfast in defending their rights.

The film No Other Land, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film, is a joint Palestinian-Norwegian production directed by Palestinian activist and filmmaker Basel Adra and Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham, with additional contributions from Hamdan Ballal and Rania Szor.

The film highlights bitter truths. However, it does not present them as tales of defeat but rather as stories of determination to endure. This land is an inseparable part of Palestinian history and geography, and no colonial power, no matter how aggressive and how hard it tries, can erase it.

Resilience and hope amid oppression

What sets No Other Land apart is its profound portrayal of real Palestinian individuals fighting not just for survival but for life itself. The film documents the daily lives of Palestinian families in Masafer Yatta, a region threatened with forced displacement due to Israeli settlement projects. However, it does more than just record their suffering—it presents them as steadfast heroes.

These individuals face immense hardships, including resource shortages, settler threats, and home demolitions. Yet, they remain deeply connected to their land, holding onto hope for a better future. In every scene, Palestinians continue their daily lives despite military threats, demonstrating an unshakable determination to survive and stay.

One of the film's most powerful elements is its depiction of children living in this harsh reality. These children endure an existential struggle, growing up under the shadow of fear—not just of the distant future but of the next moment. Yet, they still dream of something better.

Palestinian documentaries present a vivid picture of the collective and personal pains of the Palestinian people. As such, every documentary becomes a declaration of resilience and justice, not just a historical record.

The film shows the children of Masafer Yatta playing in fields that could be bulldozed at any moment, clinging to a land that the occupation threatens to erase. These scenes highlight the strength found in vulnerability, hope in the midst of suffering, and a renewed faith in the human ability to resist adversity.

A simplicity that breathes life

The directing style in No Other Land captures reality as it is, without embellishment or complex cinematic techniques. The camera moves between faces, capturing the details of people's expressions in unfiltered moments, revealing deep truths about their daily struggles.

Simple moments—families gathered around a meal, children running through the fields—are presented with striking beauty and raw authenticity.

The film avoids heavy-handed dramatic techniques that could undermine its credibility. Instead, the camera mirrors real life, making the viewer feel as though they are part of the experience—standing alongside the residents as their homes face demolition, watching as they form human chains to resist Israeli bulldozers, and listening to locals describe their daily reality in an intimate, unfiltered way.

The film has captured the attention of a global audience and sparked discussions about Palestinian rights in international forums.

The challenges of producing Palestinian narrative documentaries

It is important to note that making Palestinian documentary films is no easy task. Under Israeli occupation, filmmakers face numerous challenges, such as repression, censorship, limited funding, and restrictions on movement and travel.

Despite these obstacles, No Other Land emerged as a cinematic document that stands alongside major international films at global festivals. It can be seen as a victory for the Palestinian narrative in the face of political and artistic obstacles.

The film has captured the attention of a global audience and sparked discussions about Palestinian rights in international forums.

The directing style in No Other Land captures reality as it is, without embellishment or complex cinematic techniques.

No Other Land is not just a film screened at film festivals—it had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival—but also a call to the global conscience of Israeli occupation practices in Palestine. It goes beyond merely documenting a moment in time; it evokes a powerful emotional response to Palestinian suffering through sound and imagery.

The film’s sound design relies primarily on natural sounds and real-life scenes from daily Palestinian life in Masafer Yatta, rather than traditional film scores commonly used in other productions. By emphasizing natural sounds and personal interviews, the film strengthens its emotional and realistic impact, making the story feel more authentic and powerful.

Palestinian documentary cinema highlights the suffering of the Palestinian people in the face of occupation and displacement. It tells stories that no military force can erase—stories that bear witness to a people's unwavering resilience in holding onto their identity and land despite the occupation’s ongoing attempts to uproot and erase this identity.

No Other Land represents another step in the long Palestinian struggle, showing how documentary filmmaking can be more than just a tool for recording reality—it can be a powerful cultural weapon.

The film also reflects the suffering of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, and it conveys that the struggle does not end and hope always remains. This type of cinema highlights the Palestinian battle for land, identity, dignity, and existence. Every scene and frame in No Other Land carries a powerful message: resistance can still be expressed through art.

* The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Raseef22