“No Othre Land” Filmmakers Reject Distribution Deal with MUBI Amidst Ongoing Controversy
LOS ANGELES, CA – The filmmakers behind the Oscar-nominated documentary “no Other Land” have declined a distribution deal from MUBI, citing the streaming platform’s ties to Sequoia capital and ongoing concerns over funding and perceived political alignment. The decision marks the latest fallout from a controversy that has dogged MUBI for months, impacting its relationships with film festivals and independent filmmakers.
“No Other Land,” which chronicles life in the occupied West Bank through the eyes of palestinian and Israeli activists, achieved a successful independent theatrical run, grossing $3.6 million worldwide. Despite this success, the filmmakers ultimately chose to forgo a formal distribution partnership with MUBI, a platform that had expressed interest in handling the film’s wider release.
The controversy surrounding MUBI stems from investor Sequoia Capital, whose partner Shaun Maguire faced criticism for past Islamophobic social media posts. This led to accusations that MUBI was indirectly supporting entities involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. MUBI responded with a lengthy statement asserting Sequoia is a minority investor with no oversight of MUBI’s editorial or financial decisions, and that profits do not fund other companies in Sequoia’s portfolio. They also implemented an “Ethical Funding and investment policy.” Though, the backlash has persisted.
The los Angeles film festival recently severed ties with MUBI as a presenting sponsor,and the “No Other Land” situation underscores the growing pressure on companies to address concerns about their investments and perceived political stances.
The film’s director, Basel Adra, has faced ongoing personal hardship while promoting the documentary. In February, he penned a guest column for IndieWire detailing the crisis in Masafer Yatta. As then, co-director Hamdan Ballal was attacked and arrested in march, Adra’s home was raided by the IDF in September, and a collaborator, Awdah Hathaleen, was killed in the conflict two months ago. “No Other Land” is nominated for Best Documentary feature at the upcoming Academy awards.