The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) faced heat this week after staying silent on the arrest of Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal.
Ballal, co-director of ‘No Other Land,’ was detained by Israeli police in the West Bank. The incident set off a wave of criticism from industry peers.
Initially, the Academy released a vague statement condemning harm to artists—without naming Ballal. This sparked outrage among its 11,000 members.
By Thursday, a letter circulated among AMPAS members, accusing the group of neglecting Ballal. Big names like Ava DuVernay, Olivia Colman, and Mark Ruffalo signed on.
On Friday, the Academy apologized and named Ballal directly in a follow-up letter. AMPAS leadership admitted their mistake and said they “abhor” the suppression of free speech.
Ballal was reportedly assaulted, blindfolded, and zip-tied before being released. His film sheds light on Palestinian lives displaced in the West Bank, a topic activists say makes him a target.
Supporters say this isn’t just about one filmmaker—it’s a stand for all storytellers risking their safety to speak the truth.