Acclaimed Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri has passed away in northern Israel, concluding a remarkable five-decade career that solidified his role as a pioneering voice in Palestinian cinema. Bakri died on December 25, 2025, at the Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya after grappling with heart and lung issues, as confirmed by hospital officials.
His departure marks the loss of a monumental figure in the arts—an individual whose artistic endeavors notably challenged prevalent Israeli narratives and whose persistent fight against censorship became a crucial chapter in the cultural resistance of Palestinians. Aged 72 at the time of his passing, Bakri’s illustrious career was characterized by his commitment to portraying authentic Palestinian experiences.
He gained widespread recognition for his documentary, “Jenin, Jenin,” released in 2002, which poignantly captured testimonies from residents of the Jenin refugee camp in the wake of a devastating Israeli military operation that resulted in the deaths of 52 Palestinians. The documentary sparked significant controversy in Israel, propelling Bakri into the public eye while simultaneously subjecting him to years of governance and censorship disputes, which would leave a lasting impact on both his life and career.
In a notable instance in 2021, Israeli authorities banned “Jenin, Jenin” from screenings, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022 on grounds of defamation. This ruling highlighted the tensions surrounding artistic expression and the portrayal of Palestinian narratives. Bakri expressed his intent to appeal the verdict, asserting that it restrained his truthful depiction of events.
Born in 1953 in the Galilee village of Bi’ina, Bakri was a proud Palestinian citizen of Israel. He pursued studies in Arabic literature and theatre at Tel Aviv University before debuting in the film “Hanna K,” directed by Costa-Gavras, at the age of 30. His performance in the 1984 Israeli film “Beyond the Walls,” where he portrayed a Palestinian prisoner, garnered international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for the production.
Throughout his career, Bakri dedicated himself to illuminating the stories of Palestinians, appearing in over 40 films and directing various documentaries to highlight the realities faced by Palestinians living under occupation. He also received accolades for his solo theatrical performance of “The Pessoptimist,” based on Emile Habibi’s novel that explores Palestinian identity, which resonated with audiences across the globe.
Mohammad Bakri leaves behind his wife, Leila, and six children, including actors Saleh, Ziad, and Adam, who have continued his legacy in the film industry. His funeral was conducted the same day in Bi’ina, marking the end of an era for Palestinian cinema and cultural advocacy.
#CultureNews #MiddleEastNews