In the wake of controversy surrounding the treatment of filmmaker Hamdan Ballal after his recent arrest in the West Bank, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has issued a letter to its members. This communication aims to clarify the Academy’s stance on politically charged incidents involving artists.

Background of the Incident

Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” was reportedly beaten by settlers in the occupied West Bank. Following the attack, he was arrested by Israeli soldiers and is said to have been subjected to further violence while in custody.

His co-director, Yuval Abraham, expressed concern on social media regarding the Academy’s silence after Ballal’s ordeal, especially after the film’s success at the Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025. On March 26, Abraham took to Twitter/X, criticizing AMPAS for its lack of public support for Ballal during this challenging time.

Academy’s Position on Artist Treatment

In response to the rising concerns from its members and the public, AMPAS co-signed a letter by CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, which was disseminated to the Academy’s membership on March 26, the same day as Abraham’s criticism. Though Ballal was not mentioned by name, the letter condemned actions that “harm or suppress artists” and reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to supporting creative expression and diverse viewpoints.

Excerpt from the Academy’s Letter

“The Academy condemns harming or suppressing artists for their work or their viewpoints.”

Furthermore, the letter highlighted the Academy’s dedication to celebrating the power of storytelling and its role in fostering empathy and understanding within the global community.

Reflections on Current Socio-Political Climate

AMPAS acknowledged the complex and often tumultuous socio-political landscape that artists navigate today. It recognized the diversity of opinions within its nearly 11,000 members while asserting a unified belief in the importance of artistic freedom and the essential role of cinema in addressing societal issues.

Conclusion

The Academy’s prompt communication indicates its recognition of the vital intersection between film and politics and the responsibility it carries in supporting artists facing adversity. As public scrutiny of creative freedoms continues, institutions like AMPAS find themselves at the forefront of advocating for artists whose work reflects diverse human experiences.