No Other Land (2024)
No Other Land is a devastating documentary that will leave you reeling. This moving film, co-directed by Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Balla, and Rachel Szor, transports us to the heart of Masafer Yatta, a collection of Palestinian villages in the southern West Bank. It’s a story of perseverance, friendship, and the never-ending fight against forced displacement.
The film’s unvarnished, uncompromising approach packs no punches. We are thrown into a world in which bulldozers loom menacingly, ready to demolish homes at any time. The directors, using a combination of consumer-grade cameras and smartphones, show the grim realities of life under occupation with remarkable immediacy. It’s as if we’re right there, experiencing the dust and sadness as families watch their homes collapse.
No Other Land revolves around the unexpected friendship between Basel, a Palestinian activist, and Yuval, an Israeli journalist. Their bond develops on screen, providing a glimpse of hope among the pandemonium. It’s not all sunshine and roses, however. Their interactions are often difficult, as they deal with the weight of history and the complexities of their circumstances. But it’s at these times that the film really shines, revealing the genuine faces behind the headlines.
The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Long, lingering pictures of the craggy environment stand out against the hectic energy of demolitions and protests. It is a visual symbol for Masafer Yatta’s enduring spirit, which stands firm against the flow of devastation.
One of the film’s most effective techniques is its use of time. Years of hardship are compressed into fleeting seconds, providing a bird’s-eye view of the gradual, grinding process of relocation. It’s a superb touch that emphasises the film’s fundamental message: this isn’t about isolated instances, but a systemic, long-term effort to obliterate a community.
The directors do not shy away from depicting the emotional toll of the fight. A particularly unsettling image depicts a mother screaming that her daughters are still inside a house that is about to be demolished. The soldier’s icy retort, “Doesn’t matter,” is unsettling. It’s times like these that make No Other Land so powerful.
But it is not all doom and gloom. The film also highlights the Masafer Yatta community’s extraordinary resilience. Every night, under cover of darkness, they reconstruct what has been destroyed. It’s a significant symbol of their desire to remain on their ancestral grounds.
If there’s one little gripe, it’s that the movie occasionally fails to balance its two stories. The emphasis alternates between the larger story of Masafer Yatta and the particular journeys of Basel and Yuval. But this is nitpicking in the face of such a significant and well-crafted documentary.
No Other Land is a must-see, particularly given current events in the region. It is not an easy watch; you will most certainly feel furious, annoyed, and heartbroken. But it is precisely this emotional impact that gives the film its power. It gives a human face to a complex geopolitical scenario, compelling us to confront difficult truths.
Ultimately, No Other Land is more than just a documentary. It is a cry to action, an appeal for empathy, and a testament to the strength of human resilience. Whether you’re already familiar with the Israeli-Palestinian issue or are new to it, this film will make an indelible impression. It serves as a sharp reminder of the human cost of occupation as well as a compelling argument for the value of bearing witness. Do not miss it.