Oscar-Winner ‘No Other Land’ Director Hamdan Ballal Vanishes After Brutal Attack, International Documentary Association Comment

Published 03/24/2025, 8:37 PM EDT

After No Other Land's grand win at the Oscars, the co-director of the documentary, Hamdan Ballal, has been abducted by what Yuval Abraham, co-director of the same documentary, has described as "masked settlers." The International Documentary Association (IDA) has released a statement regarding Hamdan Ballal's abduction, stating, “We demand Ballal’s immediate release and that his family and community be informed about his condition.” Ballal is reportedly missing after being attacked. 

The Associated Press reported that activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence witnessed masked settlers attacking Hamdan Ballal and others with stones and sticks. The incident occurred in Susya, where witnesses saw teenagers carrying knives. Three other individuals were also detained without an official reason, according to lawyer Leah Zemel. The attack follows No Other Land’s Academy Award win, where the filmmakers urged action against the crisis in Gaza.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Human rights groups have condemned the attack and urged international bodies to intervene, citing growing concerns over violence in the region. The International Documentary Association’s statement has been echoed by several documentary organizations, calling for full transparency regarding Hamdan Ballal’s condition. Meanwhile, reports indicate that similar incidents involving settlers have increased in recent months, particularly targeting the people of the land that has come to be known for its Olives, Vines, and, genocide. The attack on Ballal has drawn international attention, given his role in documenting the realities of displacement in the region.

Is ‘No Other Land’ Streaming on Netflix? Where to Watch the Oscar Nominated Documentary?

As the creators face the very challenges they had set out to expose, their journey to the Oscars stands as both a triumph and a testament to their cause.

The journey that took No Other Land from activism to an Academy Award

No Other Land’s journey to the Academy Awards reflects years of dedication to documenting displacement and resistance. The film was not made this year but gained global recognition after its nomination, shedding light on the struggles of its filmmakers. Directors Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, and Rachel Szor used firsthand storytelling to expose harsh realities. Their nomination was more than just an honor; it was a powerful statement on the urgency of the issues they captured.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Following its Oscar win, the documentary has drawn widespread interest, with many wondering if No Other Land is available on Netflix. While its streaming future remains unclear, the film’s impact goes far beyond its availability. Its recognition underscores the risks its creators faced long before its global success. Now, as Hamdan Ballal’s whereabouts remain unknown, the urgency of their work is more evident than ever, reinforcing the need for continued awareness and action.

Oscars to Stream on Netflix Starting 2026? Here's The Truth About The Rumor

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think about this politically charged kerfuffle? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Iffat Siddiqui

113 articles

Iffat is a versatile wordsmith with 2 years of experience- a creative virtuoso who seamlessly fuses precision with adaptability to master any content. Being a budding writer, she wields her wit and craft with precision, ensuring every sentence carries a touch of intrigue and a spark of vitality. With her talent to hooking the audience to her opinionated writing, spinning theories like an Agatha Christie trying to piece the pieces of a puzzle together.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK