From the Oscars to Israeli detention: the attack on No Other Land director Hamdan Ballal
Earlier this month, No Other Land won the Oscar for best documentary feature. The film chronicles the West Bank community of Masafer Yatta as it resists being driven off its land by settler violence and the demolitions of the Israeli military. The film's two protagonists, Palestinian film-maker Basel Adra and Israeli film-maker Yuval Abraham, gave speeches when they accepted their award.
Yuval Abraham: 'We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law and Basel is under military laws that destroy his life … There is a different path, a political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people.'
In the global spotlight alongside the pair were the film's other co-directors, Rachel Szor and Hamdan Ballal.
Adrian Horton, an arts writer for Guardian US, explains to Michael Safi the challenges that the film had to overcome during its production and the fact that despite huge critical success, No Other Land did face difficulty in the run-up to the Oscars.
And on Monday, only a few weeks after the awards ceremony, co-director Hamdan Ballal was attacked by settlers and detained by the Israeli military. He describes to Guardian correspondent Lorenzo Tondo what he believes happened that night and how since the Oscar win the Masafer Yatta community has experienced even more violence than before.
Tondo explains that many analysts believe settler violence is part of a broader attempt by the Israeli state to annex the West Bank during the current Trump presidency. Horton adds that at the same time, the current US administration has created a chilling effect on the distribution of some political documentaries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker attends son's wedding days after quitting job - and Wayne was there
Gary Lineker was seen looking suave and happy at his son's wedding over the weekend. The presenter, 64, enjoyed his son's milestone moment after a tumultuous couple of weeks after he was let go from the BBC over comments he made about Palestine. His son George, 33, took to Instagram on Monday to share some special moments from the huge family celebration - which also included Gary's estranged brother Wayne. George posted a sweet snap of himself and his famous dad beaming alongside one another as they posed after Harry and his new wife said their 'I do's'. The England star turned pundit was due to present coverage for the Beeb until the end of this season before bowing out. However, Gary will now be exiting earlier than initially intended after sharing a pro-Palestine video about the Gaza conflict on social media. The clip in question, which shows Canadian-Palestinian lawyer Diana Buddu criticising Israel's actions in Gaza, includes a controversial cartoon rat emoji, a symbol associated with antisemitic tropes. Following an outcry, Gary released a statement on Monday (May 19), apologising for the offence caused and emphasising that he would "never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic". The 64-year-old also revealed he would be stepping back from his high-profile presenting position after two eventful decades, leaving longtime viewers to wonder what's next for the legendary striker. In his statement, Leicester-born Gary told fans: "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I'd never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." BBC Director-General Tim Davie has also issued the following statement: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. "His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."
Daily Record
40 minutes ago
- Daily Record
BBC Breakfast halted as Sally Nugent makes sad announcement
The BBC Breakfast news show opened with the sad news. Sally Nugent and Jon Kay returned to BBC Breakfast on Monday morning, bringing fans of the show all the latest news, however it was kicked off with some tragic news. Sally reported on an attack that had taken place in the United States during the night. As Jon handed over to his co-star, he announced: "Sally has more of today's news, and a developing story overnight in the States". She went on to say: "That's right, Jon. We start with this story. Six people have been injured in the US state of Colorado after an attacker used a makeshift flamethrower and a Molotov cocktail to target a rally supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. "The FBI says it's treating the incident as an act of terrorism. A 45-year-old man has been arrested." The attack took place at an outdoor shopping mall in the city of Boulder in Colorado, and it has now been confirmed that eight people were injured during the incident. Four women and four men, aged between 52 and 88, have been taken to Denver metro hospitals. At least one person is in critical condition, and other victims are being treated for burns and other injuries. They were taking part in a Run for Their Lives march, which is an organisation aiming to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The march was a "regularly scheduled" and "peaceful event," the FBI has said. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, has been taken into custody, with police saying they are "fairly confident" he acted alone. Boulder police have shared their plans to step up security at Jewish events over the coming days. Aaron Brockett, Mayor of Boulder, said he is saddened by the "appalling attack" in a post shared to X. He also wrote: "I want to be clear that violence and hatred have no place here. Attacks like these seek to strike terror in people's hearts and divide us from one another, but Boulder will stand strong together." Last week, viewers of the breakfast show weren't happy as distressing footage was shown on air from the incident in Liverpool. In the distressing footage, the automobile can be seen hurtling into the crowd, triggering panicked reactions and civilians desperately fleeing the scene. Football supporters were captured punching and kicking a car, followed by hurling of bottles. A fan then opened the driver's side door, providing a look at the assailant. Sally subsequently chatted with correspondent Yunus Mulla, broadcasting directly from Liverpool with recent developments concerning the event. BBC viewers were left dismayed post-segment, after the full footage of the car was broadcasted, with numerous individuals flocking to X (formerly Twitter) to communicate their displeasure. One viewer aired their frustration: "Why do #BBCBreakfast keep showing the car in Liverpool? It is not needed and inappropriate." Another questioned the legality: "Are @BBCBreakfast even allowed to show footage of that car attack, in Liverpool?" Additionally, a third viewer shared their dismay: "Very distressing to see, and I can't imagine what the victims/families must feel."
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
FBI investigates 'terror attack' in Colorado, US as eight people set on fire
The shirtless man suspected of attacking multiple people with incendiary devices, yells: 'End Zionists,' 'Palestine is Free!' and 'They are killers!' Eight people in Boulder, Colorado, have been injured in what the FBI are investigating as terrorism, after reports that a man attacked them with a 'makeshift flamethrower' and Molotov cocktails. Boulder Police said the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody in connection with the attack on Sunday. Officials said the group that was attacked had gathered to raise attention for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn, told reporters on Sunday evening it was too early to discuss a motive but witnesses were being interviewed. He said victims had 'injuries consistent with burns, and other injuries.' Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn says they encountered 'multiple victims' when they arrived at the scene The attack unfolded against the backdrop of a war between Israel and Hamas that continues to inflame global tensions and has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. Just over a week ago a man who also yelled 'Free Palestine' was charged with fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers outside of a Jewish museum in Washington. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X: 'We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.' 'Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country,' said Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Denver field office, which encompasses Boulder. 'This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across the nation.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Monday saying he, his wife and the entire nation of Israel were praying for the full recovery of the people wounded in the 'vicious terror attack' in Colorado. Authorities did not disclose details about Soliman but said they believe that he acted alone and that no other suspect was being sought. No criminal charges were immediately announced but officials said they would move to hold Soliman accountable. He was also injured and was taken to the hospital to be treated, but authorities didn't elaborate on the nature of his injuries. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement he was 'closely monitoring' the situation, adding that 'hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
