The world of cinema, particularly in the Arab and international spheres, has lost a powerful voice. Mohammad Bakri, the acclaimed Palestinian actor and director, passed away on December 24 in Israel, as confirmed by reports from Variety and CNN. He was 72 years old.
A Storied Career on Screen and Behind the Camera
Bakri's career spanned several decades, marked by significant roles that explored deep political and social themes. He was born in northern Israel, in the town of al-Bi'neh, where his funeral was also held on the day of his passing. Reports indicate he had been suffering from heart problems.
He first rose to international prominence with his role in the 1984 prison drama 'Beyond the Walls', a film that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. This intense performance set the stage for a career dedicated to complex narratives.
International audiences would later recognise him from popular television series. In the hit show 'Homeland', Bakri portrayed the fictional Vice President of Afghanistan, a character known for unsettling CIA agent Carrie Mathison with his unpredictable decisions. More recently, he was seen in Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video's Biblical drama 'House of David and the Wonder Project', where he played the King of Edom.
A Director's Courageous Voice and Legal Battles
Beyond acting, Mohammad Bakri was a fearless director. His most controversial and noted work is the 2003 documentary 'Jenin, Jenin'. The film presented harrowing accounts from Palestinian refugees following a major Israeli military operation. Its content led to the film being banned in Israel.
Bakri waged a long legal battle against this censorship, fighting for nearly two decades. However, in a significant blow, Israel's high court upheld the ban in 2022, as reported by CNN. This film cemented his reputation as an artist unafraid to confront the harsh realities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, themes of oppression, and the struggle for liberation that permeated much of his work.
He also directed the 2005 documentary 'Since You've Been Gone', focusing on the life of renowned Arab author and politician Emile Habibi.
A Lasting Legacy in Global Cinema
Mohammad Bakri's filmography is a testament to his versatility and commanding presence. His notable credits include a wide range of international and regional productions:
- HBO's The Night Of
- FX's Tyrant
- Peacock's Those About to Die
- The Cairo Conspiracy (2022)
- The Stranger (2021)
- Wajib (2017)
- The Flowers of Kirkuk (2010)
He also had a forthcoming project, All That's Left of You, slated for 2025. According to Variety, his stentorian delivery and powerful on-screen persona left an indelible mark on audiences and the industry alike. His work consistently bridged cultural divides, offering poignant insights into human resilience and identity amidst conflict.
