When you dive into the documentary “No Other Land,” directed by journalist and activist Basel Adra, there is a sense of urgency and necessity. The gripping account of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s visit to the village of Basel Adra in 2009 raises profound questions about power and the influence of political figures on critical situations.
The image of Tony Blair in a dark suit, surrounded by his security and photographers, moving through the village for a few minutes sets the tone. His visit seems to have brought about concrete change, rescinding demolition orders on Adra’s school and family home. The event symbolises how political power can impact entire lives and communities in a short period of time.
The film then documents the ongoing struggle of the residents of Masafer Yatta, a group of villages nestled in the Hebron Mountains in the West Bank. Residents face repeated demolitions, attacks by Jewish settlers, violence by soldiers, and attempted evictions by Israeli authorities. The military occupation, declared in 1981 for the benefit of a training ground and a shooting range, weighs heavily on the existence of these rural communities.
The film’s passage through the years, from 2019 to 2023, offers a poignant glimpse into the resilience and daily struggle of the inhabitants of Masafer Yatta. Directors Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham have brought to the screen a brutal and often overlooked reality to raise awareness of the tragic situation in these Palestinian villages.
While the documentary has already won international awards and attracted critical interest, it has encountered reluctance from American distributors, despite its undeniable topicality and relevance. At the same time, the reality on the ground in Palestine is worsening, marked by recent violence and dramatic human losses.
Discussing their work from Adra’s family home in Masafer Yatta, the filmmakers emphasize the importance of documenting and bearing witness to the events that shape the destiny of their communities. Beyond awards and screenings, their primary goal is to raise awareness and amplify the voices of those living under the shadow of occupation and violence.
Ultimately, “No Other Land” is not just a film, it is a call to action. An invitation to look beyond images and political discourse to see the faces, hear the voices, and feel the emotions of those affected by injustices and suffering that are often silenced. This documentary reminds us that behind every statistic, every geopolitical conflict, there are lives, stories, and hopes that deserve to be heard, understood, and respected.