When asked last month by Variety about the anomaly of No Other Land still being without U.S. distribution, co-director Yuval Abraham could have pointed out who sits on, say, the board of directors for one of the most esteemed indie distribution companies. Instead, he kept things simple and classy by saying that it’s “completely political.”
After No Other Land scored a remarkable U.S. box office bow at Film Forum in its opening weekend, the filmmakers have continued to tour the documentary across the country. It’s a plan that can be considered, like the actions of co-director Basel Adra depicted in the film, an act of defiance. No Other Land may not have the marketing muscle behind it that fellow nominee Sugarcane does, but winning nearly every major critics prize to date, combined with the efforts of Cinetic Media, has ensured that that documentary has stayed on voters’ minds.
With searing lucidity, No Other Land reminds us of the human stakes of Israel’s policies toward Palestine. And amid the nuclear-grade insanity of Donald Trump calling for the U.S. to control Gaza, seeing the land as a “real estate development for the future,” now dominating the news, the importance of AMPAS endorsing this film feels even more essential: so as to open more people’s eyes to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people that’s occurring in real time.
Will Win: No Other Land
Could Win: Sugarcane
Should Win: No Other Land
Since 2001, we've brought you uncompromising, candid takes on the world of film, music, television, video games, theater, and more. Independently owned and operated publications like Slant have been hit hard in recent years, but we’re committed to keeping our content free and accessible—meaning no paywalls or fees.
If you like what we do, please consider subscribing to our Patreon or making a donation.
