The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued an apology on Friday after facing backlash for failing to express support for Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, who was recently detained by Israeli settlers. The apology comes in the wake of a letter signed by nearly 700 Academy members, including prominent actors like Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, and Joaquin Phoenix, who criticized the Academy's lack of a direct acknowledgment regarding Mr. Ballal's situation.
Hamdan Ballal co-directed “No Other Land,” which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary earlier this month. Following his Academy Award win, Ballal reported that he was attacked by Israeli settlers and subsequently detained by the Israeli military, only to be released later. The Academy's initial response to the incident was met with disappointment, as it did not mention Ballal directly, prompting scrutiny and critique from within Hollywood.
The letter from Academy members emphasized the significance of victory at the Oscars against formidable competition, noting that “No Other Land” reached this achievement without the luxurious campaigns often associated with award wins. The signatories highlighted the broader implications of Ballal's targeting, labeling it an attack on all who strive to reveal uncomfortable truths.
In its updated statement, the Academy specified and apologized for its oversight concerning Mr. Ballal and his work, reaffirming its condemnation of violence and the importance of free speech. The Academy stated, “We regret that we failed to directly acknowledge Mr. Ballal and the film by name” and expressed a desire to support all artists feeling marginalized by their previous communication.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied Ballal's claims of misconduct during his detention, stating that they had detained Palestinians suspected of rock-throwing. "No Other Land," which spotlights the struggles of the community in Masafer Yatta, continues to resonate, highlighting the urgency of dialogue surrounding Palestinian voices in the arts.
