The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is under pressure following its subdued reaction to the arrest of Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning director. The extraordinary meeting was prompted by a letter from prominent Academy members calling for stronger support, highlighting the need for organizations to defend their artists amidst political turmoil. Ballal, known for his documentary 'No Other Land,' was detained by Israeli authorities after reportedly being assaulted for his work, which addresses the Israeli military's actions in the West Bank. The situation raises questions about the responsibilities of artistic organizations in protecting their members.
We stand in condemnation of the brutal assault and unlawful detention of Oscar-winning Palestinian film-maker Hamdan Ballal by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank, reads the letter, published by Deadline.
It is indefensible for an organization to recognize a film with an award in the first week of March, and then fail to defend its film-makers just a few weeks later.
Ballal, one of four directors... of the film crowned best documentary at the Oscars... was beaten by Israeli settlers on Monday outside his home.
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