Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, two award-winning filmmakers, made a powerful statement at the 2025 Oscars ceremony. Their documentary film, “No Other Land,” shed light on the ongoing injustice and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. Despite its critical acclaim and numerous awards, the film faced challenges finding a distributor in the United States due to its critical stance on the Israeli government.
The documentary follows the destruction of Palestinian homes and mass expulsion by Israeli forces in Masafer Yatta, a community in the southern Occupied West Bank. The region’s residents are at risk of forced displacement due to a military designation that aims to transfer the land to Israeli settlers. The filmmakers captured heartbreaking scenes of families being evicted from their homes and confrontations with Israeli forces.
After winning the Oscar for best documentary feature film, the filmmakers faced criticism from Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sports, who accused the film of defaming Israel. Adra and Abraham revealed the challenges they faced while working on the film, including being placed on a blacklist and editing the documentary from separate locations due to restrictions on their movement.
During their acceptance speech, Adra and Abraham called for unity between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their lives and the need for freedom and safety for all. Adra, a new father, expressed his hope that his daughter would not have to experience the same hardships that his community faces every day.
“No Other Land” serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people and the importance of speaking out against injustice. The filmmakers’ dedication to telling this important story has resonated with audiences around the world, despite the challenges they have encountered along the way. The world is constantly changing, and with it, so too are the ways in which we interact with each other. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the rise of social media platforms, which have revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and connect with others. From Facebook to Instagram to Twitter, these platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
Social media has had a profound impact on society, influencing everything from politics to commerce to popular culture. In politics, social media has become a powerful tool for politicians to connect with their constituents, share their message, and mobilize support. During the 2016 US presidential election, for example, social media played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and driving voter turnout. Candidates used platforms like Twitter and Facebook to reach millions of voters directly, bypassing traditional media channels and creating a more personalized and engaging campaign experience.
In commerce, social media has transformed the way businesses market their products and engage with customers. Companies now have the ability to reach a global audience with a single post, allowing them to promote their brand and products in ways that were previously unthinkable. Influencers and celebrities with large social media followings have become powerful marketing tools, helping companies reach new audiences and drive sales. Social media platforms like Instagram have also given rise to a new generation of entrepreneurs, who are able to build and promote their businesses entirely online.
In popular culture, social media has become a dominant force, shaping the way we consume entertainment and engage with celebrities. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat have created new opportunities for artists and creators to showcase their talents and connect with fans. Social media has also given rise to a new breed of celebrity, the social media influencer, who can amass millions of followers and wield considerable influence over their audience. These influencers have become powerful marketing tools, able to promote products and brands to their loyal followers with a single post.
While social media has brought many benefits, it has also raised concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the impact of social media on mental health. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the personal data of millions of Facebook users was harvested without their consent, highlighted the risks of sharing personal information online. The spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms has also become a major concern, with some studies showing that false information spreads faster and more widely than accurate information. Additionally, the constant pressure to present a curated and perfect version of ourselves online has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among social media users.
As social media continues to evolve and shape our society, it is important for users to be mindful of the ways in which they engage with these platforms. By being conscious of the information we share, critically evaluating the content we consume, and taking breaks from social media when needed, we can harness the power of these platforms while minimizing their negative impacts. Social media has the potential to be a force for good, connecting us with others, promoting positive change, and enriching our lives in countless ways. It is up to us to ensure that we use it responsibly and ethically, in order to create a more positive and inclusive online community.
