Film society mourns the senseless killing of Awdah (Odeh) Hathaleen, a Palestinian community leader and journalist whose work as a consultant on the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land was invaluable. Hathaleen was recently gunned down, and the loss has caused a shock wave throughout the world of film and journalism.
The documentary “No Other Land,” co-directed by Yuval Abraham, has been hailed for its bold storytelling, which focuses on the coexistence of Palestinians and Israelis. The film’s strong narrative and honest representation of complex realities earned it an Oscar, shedding light on the grit and teamwork that made the project possible.
Director Yuval Abraham openly labelled the killing as “murder,” highlighting the serious risks run by participants in socially and politically sensitive filmmaking. Hathaleen’s participation highlighted the documentary’s strong link to the authentic stories and voices it represented. His death is a harsh reminder of the threats that many journalists and contributors face in war zones to present stories such as No Other Land to the world.
To film buffs and documentary film enthusiasts, this event highlights the critical role of filmmakers and participants in revealing hard truths. Hathaleen’s posthumous legacy is kept alive by the powerful storytelling of No Other Land, which continues to move people all over the world.
As the film world looks back on this deep loss, it also reaffirms its devotion to standing behind voices that dare to speak up and tell worthwhile stories, no matter the cost.
Where to watch No Other Land (2024)
