Palestinian Filmmaker Attacked and Detained, Co-Director Calls Out US Academy
Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank. His co-director, Yuval Abraham, has criticized the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for not publicly supporting Ballal during his ordeal.
The Attack on Hamdan Ballal
On March 24, 2025, in the village of Susya, located in the South Hebron Hills, a group of masked Israeli settlers allegedly assaulted Hamdan Ballal near his home. According to reports, Hamdan Ballalsuffered injuries to his head and stomach from the attack. Shortly after, Israeli soldiers arrived at the scene, detained him, and transported him to a military base.
Ballal described his ordeal in an interview with The Associated Press, revealing that he was held blindfolded for over 20 hours under freezing conditions. He recounted being kicked, punched, and struck with sticks whenever guards changed shifts. Despite not understanding Hebrew, he distinctly heard his name mentioned along with the word “Oscar,” indicating that his recognition as a filmmaker may have been a factor in his mistreatment.
Yuval Abraham Calls Out the U.S. Academy
Yuval Abraham took to social media on March 26, 2025, expressing his disappointment with the U.S. Academy’s silence on the matter. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Sadly, the U.S. Academy, which awarded us an Oscar three weeks ago, declined to publicly support Hamdan Ballal while he was beaten and tortured by Israeli soldiers and settlers.”
Abraham pointed out that while the European Academy and numerous film festivals spoke in support of Ballal, the U.S. Academy remained silent. He further disclosed that some Academy members, particularly in the documentary branch, advocated for a statement of solidarity, but it was ultimately refused.
He added, “In other words, while Hamdan was clearly targeted for making No Other Land (he recalled soldiers joking about the Oscar as they tortured him), he was also targeted for being Palestinian — like countless others every day who are disregarded. This, it seems, gave the Academy an excuse to remain silent when a filmmaker they honored, living under Israeli occupation, needed them the most.”
Abraham urged the Academy to reconsider its stance and issue a statement condemning the attack on Ballal and the Masafer Yatta community. “It’s not too late to change this stance. Even now, issuing a statement would send a meaningful message and serve as a deterrent for the future,” he concluded.
The Documentary No Other Land
No Other Land is a collaborative project directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor. The film sheds light on the experiences of Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta, documenting the struggles faced due to Israeli military actions and settler expansions. The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film in 2025, bringing global attention to the plight of Palestinians in the region.
International Response to the Incident
The attack on Hamdan Ballal and his subsequent detention have sparked international condemnation. Various human rights organizations, fellow filmmakers, and activists have denounced the violence and called for justice.
The European Academy, in contrast to the U.S. Academy, quickly issued a statement expressing solidarity with Hamdan Ballal. Several film festivals and cultural organizations also extended their support, calling for accountability for the attack. Many see the U.S. Academy’s silence as a reflection of broader political sensitivities and reluctance to engage in issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Criticism of the U.S. Academy
The U.S. Academy’s decision not to issue a statement has ignited a broader debate about its responsibility in supporting filmmakers under threat. Critics argue that the Academy has taken political stances on various issues in the past, making its silence in this case particularly concerning.
Several film industry professionals have voiced disappointment, stating that the Academy’s lack of response sets a dangerous precedent. “If the Academy can honor a filmmaker with an Oscar but remain silent when that same filmmaker is attacked and detained, what message does that send to artists working in conflict zones?” one industry expert questioned.
Academy representatives have not provided an official explanation for their decision. However, sources close to the organization suggest that concerns over political implications may have influenced the reluctance to speak out.
Hamdan Ballal’s Ordeal Highlights Ongoing Tensions
The attack on Hamdan Ballal highlights the broader issue of violence in the West Bank, where Palestinian residents frequently face attacks by settlers and confrontations with Israeli forces. International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Ballal’s experience is not an isolated incident. Reports indicate that settler violence has been increasing, with many attacks going unpunished. Human rights groups have documented numerous cases where Israeli soldiers have detained Palestinians following attacks by settlers, rather than apprehending those responsible for the violence.
The Future of No Other Land and its Directors
Despite the traumatic experience, Hamdan Ballal and his co-directors remain committed to their work. No Other Land continues to be screened at international festivals, bringing global attention to the struggles of Palestinian communities. The filmmakers hope that their work will spark dialogue and action toward justice.
Yuval Abraham, in his statements, emphasized that the fight for justice extends beyond one incident. “This is bigger than just one filmmaker. It’s about the systemic oppression faced by an entire people. We cannot afford to be silent,” he said.
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The silence of the U.S. Academy on the attack and detention of Hamdan Ballal has raised serious questions about the film industry’s role in advocating for human rights. While other international organizations and film bodies have spoken out, the Academy’s lack of response remains a point of contention.
As Hamdan Ballal continues his work, his experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by artists working in conflict zones. The call for accountability and support for filmmakers like him is growing louder, and whether the Academy will eventually break its silence remains to be seen.
