Protests Erupt Outside 'No Other Land' Film Premiere in New York

Dozens of pro-Israel protesters gathered outside Lincoln Center in New York on Saturday for the North American premiere of the Israeli documentary "No Other Land" at the New York Film Festival. The protest, organized by the Israeli-American Council (IAC), featured large LED screens displaying footage from the October 7th Hamas attack and images of victims. Protesters held signs urging viewers to "Learn the Facts" and "Know the Truth."

The IAC stated that the film presents serious allegations about the IDF's conduct in Gaza without sufficient context or counter-information regarding the October 7th massacre that initiated the war. "No Other Land," by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, is based on testimonies from 24 individuals identified as Israeli soldiers, officers, and intelligence personnel, whose faces and voices are obscured.

Inside the venue, following the screening, Abraham and Shore defended their film and their journalistic methods. Abraham stated, "One of the reasons it's so important for us to screen this film here is so people can see what is being done with the tax money of the people sitting here." He added that the film concludes by stating, "The killing and the crimes continue, our country is doing this, and your country (the US) supports and funds it."

Shore explained that the Israeli state actively conceals such operations, making investigative journalism difficult. Abraham defended the use of anonymity for the interviewees, calling it a historical tool in investigative journalism necessary to uncover the truth, especially as "the crimes continue." He also addressed Prime Minister Netanyahu's comparison of the film to "launching ballistic missiles" at Israel, calling it an attempt to criminalize journalism.

Noa Peri-Yinsh, a senior IAC official, stated that while they mourn all innocent lives lost, compassion for Palestinian civilians should not mean erasing October 7th or accepting narratives without question. Rom El-Hai, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, was also present, offering his own footage as evidence of Hamas's brutality.

In Israel, the film has drawn sharp criticism. The IDF rejected its claims, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stating the army "will not allow its soldiers to be targeted through lies and blood libels." Culture Minister Miki Zohar requested the head of the Shin Bet investigate the film's sources and interviewees, even suggesting revoking the filmmakers' citizenship. "No Other Land" previously won a Special Jury Award at the Venice Film Festival and is set to be distributed globally and made available for free on The Guardian's website.