Filmmaker Vows Return to Israel Amid Backlash Over Anti-Israel Film

Filmmaker Yuval Abraham, one of the creators of the controversial film "No Other Land" (Nez'a), has stated that he and co-creator Rachel Shore will return to Israel despite public outcry and calls for their prosecution. The film, which won an award at the Venice Film Festival, has sparked significant controversy in Israel, leading to demands for an investigation into its sources and a review of the filmmakers' citizenship.

Abraham addressed the criticism in a lengthy post on X, asserting that the threats and backlash would not deter them. "Rachel and I will return to the country and continue to fight for the future of this place," he declared. He defended the film, stating it is based on three years of comprehensive journalistic investigation with verified and cross-referenced details, and that "journalism is not treason."

Culture Minister Miki Zohar had previously requested that the head of the Shin Bet security agency launch a formal investigation into the film's information sources. Abraham countered this by emphasizing that criticism and reporting on government actions, even alleged crimes, are a civic duty. He suggested that soldiers who witnessed the events depicted in the film would recognize its accuracy.

In response to the controversy and the ongoing process to potentially revoke their citizenship, Abraham highlighted his past work reporting on the Israeli military's open-fire policies in Gaza for the Hebrew-language news site "Local Call," noting that such reports were largely ignored in Israel until now. He acknowledged the significant personal cost of this increased attention.

The film, produced in collaboration with The Guardian, is set to premiere in cinemas worldwide on September 28, with distribution planned in 55 countries. The creators have also offered to screen the film for free at cinemas in Israel and plan to make it available online in November.