Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday received Basel Adra, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary *No Other Land*, which depicts the struggle of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The meeting was held at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul behind closed doors. Erdogan congratulated Adra on the awards won by *No Other Land*.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan noted that the most brutal face of Israel's occupation is seen on the southern hills of Hebron, emphasizing the risks faced by those documenting the crimes committed in the area. He expressed condolences for Adra's close friend Awdah Hathaleen, who was killed by Israeli settlers, and praised the courage shown in making the documentary.
Erdogan highlighted the importance of visual media in conveying the Palestinian cause to the international community, asserting that the tragedy is insufficiently represented in the film industry due to its structural alignment with Israel. He recalled the strong show of solidarity with Palestine at last year's Oscars and Cannes, noting that this year's Academy Awards demonstrated an even stronger stance.
The Turkish president stressed that the fundamental mission of art is to pursue truth and commended *No Other Land* for its role in awakening global conscience. He encouraged Adra to continue his work to maintain public support for Palestine, affirming Turkey's steadfast support for the Palestinian people.
*No Other Land* is a joint production by Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor. The documentary portrays the struggle of Palestinians resisting Israel's policy of demolition and forced displacement in Masafer Yatta, located in the southern West Bank. It follows Adra's efforts to document the destruction carried out by the Israeli army, aiming to turn the area into a military training zone.
Based on real events between 2019 and 2023, the film exposes the violence and devastation inflicted by Israeli soldiers and settlers on Palestinian communities. It incorporates footage from Palestinian homes, personal archives, news videos, and conversations between Israelis and Palestinians. The documentary won the Best Documentary Oscar at the ceremony held in Los Angeles and also received accolades at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), including the Panorama Audience Award.
Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, who contributed to the documentary, was killed on July 28 in Masafer Yatta when Israeli settler Yinon Levi opened fire indiscriminately.