Mohammad Bakri passes away at 72; Palestinian actor and director no more

Mohammad Bakri passed away on December 24 in Israel. He was 72 years old. He had been suffering from heart problems. His death has left many people sad. His funeral was held on the same day in his hometown, al-Bi'neh, in northern Israel.

A face known across the world

Bakri was known to people across the world. He acted in the Oscar-nominated 1984 film Beyond the Walls. The film showed prison life and human pain. It brought him wide recognition. Many years later he appeared in the popular series Homeland. He played the Vice President of Afghanistan. His role kept Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, on edge. He was also seen recently in Season 2 of House of David.

Stories he chose to tell

Throughout his life Bakri chose stories with meaning. He spoke about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He spoke about oppression and the fight for freedom. As a director he made the 2003 documentary Jenin, Jenin. The film showed the voices of Palestinian refugees during violent times. The film was banned in Israel. Bakri fought a long legal battle. In 2022 the ban was upheld. He also directed Since You've Been Gone in 2005. The film was about writer and leader Emile Habibi.

A long journey in films

Bakri’s career lasted many decades. He worked in films and television across countries. His works include The Night Of, Tyrant, Those About to Die, The Cairo Conspiracy, The Stranger, Wajib, and The Flowers of Kirkuk. He was also part of All That's Left of You, set to release in 2025.

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