News|GazaPalestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri dies at 72Celebrated director of ‘Jenin, Jenin’ documentary leaves behind legacy of artistic resistance.

Mohammad Bakri, a prominent Palestinian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Wed, Oct 18, 2023, at the Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya. He was 72 years old. Bakri, recognized for his significant contributions to Palestinian cinema, had been suffering from heart and lung issues.

Bakri was renowned for his work that often challenged established narratives and highlighted Palestinian experiences. His 2002 documentary, Jenin, Jenin , documented the aftermath of an Israeli military operation in a refugee camp, garnering considerable attention and controversy. The documentary was banned in Israel in 2021, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022, citing defamation.

Throughout his career, Bakri faced legal challenges, including lawsuits and fines, but he remained committed to his artistic vision. He was a strong advocate for Palestinian stories, appearing in over 40 films and directing documentaries that examined life under occupation.

Born in 1953 in Bi’ina, a village in the Galilee, Bakri was a Palestinian citizen of Israel. He studied Arabic literature and theatre at Tel Aviv University. His film debut was in Costa-Gavras’s Hanna K , where he portrayed a Palestinian refugee. Another significant role was in the 1984 film Beyond the Walls , which received international acclaim.

Bakri's theatrical work includes The Pessoptimist , a solo performance based on Emile Habibi’s novel, which explored themes of Palestinian identity. This performance was staged over 1,500 times globally, reinforcing his status as a cultural icon.

He is survived by his wife, Leila, and six children, including actors Saleh, Ziad, and Adam, who continue his legacy in the cinematic world. His funeral took place in Bi’ina on the day of his passing.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.