The 'moment' that left its mark on the awards ceremony: Oscar-winning directors react to Israel

No Other Land, which focuses on a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, won the Oscar for best documentary at the 97th Academy Awards. In their speeches at the awards ceremony, the film's two directors condemned Israel's attacks on Palestine. The Oscar-winning directors, Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, pointed out that peace in the region is possible through dialogue and by Palestinians attaining their legal rights.

The film's Israeli director, Abraham, described Adra as his 'brother' while noting that they do not live under equal conditions. Abraham highlighted that while he lives a free life under civil law, Adra lives under the pressure of military law. Abraham stated that the conflicts that have been ongoing in the Middle East for decades must come to an end.

Stating that his country, Israel, is 'committing crimes' against Palestinians, Abraham expressed the following:

''We made this film together as Palestinians and Israelis because our voice is stronger together. The destruction that Gaza and its people are subjected to must end. Israeli hostages must be released.''

Poster for the film No Other Land

A CALL TO THE WORLD FOR PALESTINE

The two directors called for a political solution where there is no ethnic supremacy and where the national rights of both peoples are recognized. Criticizing the Trump administration as well, Abraham argued that US foreign policy hinders peace.

Adra, a Palestinian activist and director living in the Masafer Yatta region of the West Bank, reacted to issues such as home demolitions and displacement faced by his village, stating:

'I became a father about two months ago. I hope my daughter does not have to experience the hardships I have lived through. We call on the world to stop the injustice and end the ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.'

The film No Other Land also won the 'best documentary' award at the Berlinale Film Festival

IT WAS NOT RELEASED IN THE US

No Other Land was one of the most critically acclaimed documentary films of last year. However, due to the influence of the Israeli lobby in the US, the film was not distributed to cinemas in the US. The film was shown in some independent cinemas in the US. Digital screenings were held so that the Academy Awards jury could watch the film.

Adra and Abraham's acceptance speech stood out as one of the politically charged moments of the Oscar ceremony. The ceremony's host, Conan O'Brien, avoided jokes about world events and domestic politics.

Conclave screenwriter Peter Straughan wore a blue-and-yellow pin to show his support for Ukraine. Daryl Hannah stated that she was in solidarity with Ukraine during her award presentation.

News Source: 12punto