Oscar-Nominated Director Emad Burnat Detained At LAX

Palestinian director Emad Burnat was flying in to attend the Academy Awards where he managed to snag a nomination for his5 Broken Cameras documentary when he was detained at LAX for hours, according to fellow filmmaker Michael Moore.

Burnat and his family were allowed to go and attend the Oscars, but not before enduring 90 minutes of questioning by immigration officials. Moore took to his Twitter account and explained to his 1.4 million followers exactly what happened.

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

Emad Burnat, Palestinian director of Oscar nominated “5 Broken Cameras” was held tonight by immigration at LAX as he landed to attend Oscars”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

Emad, his wife & 8-yr old son were placed in a holding area and told they didn’t have the proper invitation on them to attend the Oscars.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

Although he produced the Oscar invite nominees receive, that wasn’t good enough & he was threatened with being sent back to Palestine.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

Apparently the Immigration & Customs officers couldn’t understand how a Palestinian could be an Oscar nominee. Emad texted me for help.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

I called Academy officials who called lawyers. I told Emad to give the officers my phone # and to say my name a couple of times.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

After 1.5 hrs, they decided to release him & his family & told him he could stay in LA for the week & go to the Oscars. Welcome to America.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

“It’s nothing I’m not already used to,” he told me later. “When u live under occupation, with no rights, this is a daily occurrence.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

Emad Burnat, Palestinian farmer turned filmmaker, director of “5 Broken Cameras”, the 1st Palestinian doc ever nominated for the Oscar.”

“@MMFlint
Michael Moore

This all just happened tonight, a few hours ago. He was certain they were going to deport him. But not if I had anything to do about it.”