The world of cinema and Palestinian cultural expression has lost a towering figure. Mohammad Bakri, the renowned and often controversial Palestinian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Wednesday. He was 72 years old. His death marks the end of an era for a performer whose work was deeply intertwined with the political and social realities of his homeland.
A Storied Career on Stage and Screen
Born in 1951 in the village of Bi'ina in the Galilee region, Bakri's journey into the arts began with teaching. However, his passion for performance soon took center stage. He moved to Tel Aviv to study acting and quickly became a prominent figure in both Israeli and Palestinian theatre and film. Bakri was celebrated for his intense and compelling portrayals, bringing a unique depth to every character he played.
His filmography is a testament to his versatility. International audiences will remember him for his role in the Hollywood film 'The Body' (2001), starring Antonio Banderas. He also delivered powerful performances in 'Haifa' and 'The Syrian Bride'. In a significant crossover, he appeared in the hit Israeli series 'Fauda', showcasing his ability to navigate complex narratives in a region fraught with tension.
The 'Jenin, Jenin' Controversy and Its Aftermath
While his acting was widely praised, Bakri's legacy is inextricably linked to his 2002 documentary, 'Jenin, Jenin'. The film presented Palestinian testimonies about the Israeli military's operation in the Jenin refugee camp during the Second Intifada. Its release ignited a firestorm of controversy.
The Israeli government and several soldiers depicted in the film accused it of being propaganda filled with falsehoods. The Israeli Film Ratings Board initially banned it, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court on free speech grounds. Bakri and his film became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about narrative, truth, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The controversy followed him for years, culminating in a 2016 libel lawsuit filed by five Israeli soldiers. Although a lower court ruled against him, the Supreme Court eventually cleared Bakri of the libel charges in 2021.
Despite the legal victory, the personal and professional toll was immense. Bakri often spoke about being blacklisted in parts of the Israeli film industry and facing widespread criticism for his work.
A Family Steeped in the Arts
Artistic expression runs deep in the Bakri family. Mohammad Bakri is the father of several children who have also made their mark in cinema. His sons, Saleh Bakri and Ziad Bakri, are accomplished actors known for their work in films like 'The Band's Visit' and 'Lemon Tree'. His daughter, Mariam Bakri, is a director, continuing the family's commitment to storytelling. The Bakri family's collective work forms a significant chapter in the story of Palestinian art.
Legacy of a Courageous Artist
Mohammad Bakri's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Arab world and beyond. Colleagues, fans, and cultural commentators remember him not just as a talented actor, but as a fearless artist who used his platform to amplify voices often sidelined in mainstream media. He navigated a complex space, working within Israeli cultural institutions while remaining an unapologetic advocate for the Palestinian narrative.
His death leaves a void in both Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern cinema. He was an artist who embodied the struggles he portrayed, and his work—whether celebrated or condemned—sparked essential conversations. Mohammad Bakri's life reminds us that art is rarely apolitical, especially in contexts of enduring conflict. His films and performances will continue to serve as powerful, provocative documents of a people's experience and resilience.
