Mohammad Bakri, Palestinian Actor and Director, Passes Away at 72
Mohammad Bakri, a well-known Palestinian actor and director, known for his roles in “Homeland” and the Oscar-nominated film “Beyond the Walls,” passed away on December 24 in Israel at the age of 72. Reports indicate that Bakri had been battling heart problems.
Bakri was born in northern Israel and his funeral was held in his hometown of al-Bi’neh on the same day of his passing. He was a prominent figure in the film industry, consistently exploring themes of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, oppression, and liberation in his work.
As an actor, Bakri gained recognition for his performance in the 1984 Israeli drama “Beyond the Walls,” which received an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film. He also appeared in various TV shows and films, including “House of David,” “The Night Of,” “Tyrant,” and “Wajib.”
As a director, Bakri was known for his documentary work, particularly the controversial film “Jenin, Jenin,” which documented the stories of Palestinian refugees during a period of conflict with the Israel Defense Forces. The film was banned in Israel and Bakri fought a legal battle against the ban, which was ultimately rejected by Israel’s high court in 2022.
Bakri’s contributions to the film industry and his dedication to telling stories that shed light on important social and political issues will be remembered by audiences around the world. He leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and impactful filmmaking.
