Hamdan Ballal, the Oscar-winning co-director of No Other Land, has opened up about a harrowing experience that he calls the "worst moment of my life." In a heartfelt op-ed published in The New York Times and quoted by Deadline, Ballal recounted his brutal attack and capture by Israeli settlers, during which he was mocked for his international accolade and subjected to shocking violence.
Ballal, whose documentary No Other Land recently won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, described how a typical Ramadan evening in late March turned into a nightmare for him and his family. The filmmaker, who has dedicated much of his work to documenting the struggles faced by Palestinians, said he felt the violence he personally experienced was a vivid reflection of the "near-daily" reality for many living in Palestine.
According to Ballal, the incident began when a neighbor alerted him that settlers were attacking nearby. As a filmmaker committed to telling the stories of his people, Ballal immediately rushed to document the scene. However, as the crowd grew and the threat to his safety became imminent, he decided to retreat to his home, prioritizing the safety of his wife and three young children.
"I saw the soldiers coming, soldiers whom I recognized," Ballal wrote. He quickly ushered his family inside, warning his wife not to open the door under any circumstance. However, before he could secure himself inside, the soldiers reached him.
"They met me outside the door of my home and started beating and cursing me," he recounted. "Mocking me as the 'Oscar-winning filmmaker.' I felt guns bashing my ribs. Someone punched me in the head from behind. I fell to the ground. I was kicked and spat on."
Ballal described the immense pain and terror he felt during the assault, intensified by the sound of his wife and children's desperate screams from inside their home. "It was the worst moment of my life. My wife and I both thought I would be killed. We feared what would happen to my family if I died," he wrote.
The violence did not end there. Ballal was captured and detained, with the details of his capture first made public by his No Other Land co-director, Abraham. Abraham not only brought the world’s attention to Ballal’s plight but also criticized the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its lukewarm initial response to the incident.
Initially, the Academy issued a vague letter that expressed a general disapproval of violence but failed to specifically address Ballal’s attack or condemn the actions of the settlers and soldiers. The vague language sparked outrage among many in the film industry and human rights communities, who demanded a stronger stance from the prestigious institution.
Following mounting pressure, the Academy eventually issued an apology for its earlier statement, acknowledging that its response had fallen short and caused further hurt. However, for Ballal and many others, the incident was another reminder of the global community’s inconsistent attention and action when it comes to the suffering of Palestinians.
Through his op-ed, Ballal urged the international community to continue focusing on Palestine and to recognize the "near-daily violence" that residents endure. "My experience was not unique," he emphasized. "For too many Palestinians, brutal encounters like mine are a constant reality."
Ballal’s No Other Land shines a powerful spotlight on these very struggles, making his personal story all the more poignant. The documentary tells the story of forced displacement, occupation, and resilience, and its critical acclaim has helped bring Palestinian narratives to a global stage. Winning an Academy Award was a historic moment for Ballal and the people he represents. However, the violent incident just weeks after the Oscars served as a grim reminder of the harsh realities back home.
Despite his pain, Ballal remains committed to his work and to amplifying the voices of Palestinians. His words convey not just personal grief, but a broader, collective plea for justice and empathy.
"I still believe in the power of storytelling," Ballal said in his essay. "But storytelling alone is not enough. It must be met with action, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to human rights."
The Academy's misstep, though eventually corrected, highlights the challenges faced by artists from conflict zones who seek international solidarity. Many critics argue that symbolic gestures are not enough; real support must involve political courage and clear stances against violence and oppression.
Ballal’s story has since garnered widespread attention, with several human rights organizations, fellow filmmakers, and activists rallying behind him. Social media campaigns have called for continued awareness of not just Ballal’s experience but of the broader situation in Palestine.
Reflecting on the trauma he endured, Ballal concluded his op-ed with a message of resilience and hope. "They tried to silence me," he wrote. "But I will not be silenced. I owe it to my family, to my people, and to all those who continue to endure injustice to keep speaking out."
The brutal attack on Hamdan Ballal serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to document and challenge systemic violence. Yet, it also underscores the power of resilience, the importance of truth-telling, and the urgent need for international solidarity that goes beyond awards and ceremonies.