TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – Mohammad Bakri, a prominent Palestinian director and actor known for his dedication to portraying the complexities of Palestinian identity and culture, has passed away at the age of 72. His family announced his death, attributing it to heart and lung problems.
Bakri was particularly renowned for his 2003 documentary "Jenin, Jenin," which delved into the devastating consequences of an Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank city of Jenin during the second Palestinian intifada. The film, which captured the destruction and emotional toll faced by the local Palestinian residents, was subsequently banned in Israel.
In addition to his directorial work, Bakri acted in the forthcoming 2025 film "All That’s Left of You," a drama chronicling the life of a Palestinian family over more than 76 years. This film features Bakri alongside his sons, Adam and Saleh Bakri, both of whom are also actors. Notably, "All That’s Left of You" has been shortlisted for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Throughout his career, Bakri created a diverse range of films that encapsulated various Palestinian experiences. He also acted in Hebrew, including performances at Israel's national theater in Tel Aviv, and was involved in notable Israeli films from the 1980s and 1990s. Bakri was an alumnus of Tel Aviv University, underscoring his deep connections to the region.
Born in northern Israel and a holder of Israeli citizenship, Bakri explored both film and theater. One of his most celebrated works was the one-man show “The Pessoptimist,” staged in 1986. This performance was based on Palestinian author Emile Habiby's writings and examined the emotional complexities of individuals wrestling with both Israeli and Palestinian identities.
In the 1980s, Bakri became recognized for playing roles in mainstream Israeli films that humanized Palestinian characters. His work in films like "Beyond the Walls," a groundbreaking narrative about the shared experiences of Israelis and Palestinians in incarceration, established him as a pioneering figure in bridging cultural divides. This is echoed by Raya Morag, a professor specializing in cinema and trauma at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who noted that Bakri challenged stereotypes and played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions of Palestinians within Israeli society.
Despite his significant contributions, Bakri faced criticism from segments of Palestinian society for collaborating with Israeli filmmakers. His film "Jenin, Jenin" sparked numerous legal battles in Israel, where it was criticized as being biased and inciting tensions. In a notable ruling in 2022, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld a ban on the documentary, citing defamation against Israeli soldiers, and mandated that Bakri pay substantial damages to an Israeli military officer.
The release of "Jenin, Jenin" marked a crucial juncture in Bakri's career, transforming him into a polarizing figure within Israeli cinema. Following the film's controversy, he distanced himself from mainstream Israeli film production. Morag remarked on Bakri's steadfast loyalty to his principles, highlighting his courage in the face of pressure from both Palestinian and Israeli communities.
Bakri leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply within Palestinian society and among advocates of cultural expression around the world. His cousin, Rafic, emphasized Bakri's unwavering support for Palestinian rights through his artistic endeavors, stating that he would be fondly remembered by Palestinians globally. Bakri's influence on film and theater will undoubtedly endure, celebrating not only his artistic achievements but also his commitment to voicing the Palestinian narrative.
