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Palestinian Actor Mohammad Bakri Passes Away at 72
Acclaimed Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri dies at 72, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema and theatre.
- Publish date: since 15 hour Reading time: two min read
Renowned Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri has died at the age of 72, his family and multiple news outlets have confirmed.
The influential artist passed away on 24 December 2025 in a hospital in Nahariya after a prolonged struggle with heart disease, leaving behind a profound legacy in cinema and theatre.
Born in Bi’ina, northern Galilee, in 1953, Bakri carved out a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades. After studying acting and Arabic literature at Tel Aviv University, he began his artistic journey in theatre before transitioning into film and television, earning recognition as one of Palestine’s most prominent cultural figures.
Among his most notable contributions was the 2002 documentary Jenin, Jenin, which examined the aftermath of the Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. The film sparked major controversy and legal battles over its portrayal of events, drawing both international attention and criticism.
Mohammad won over 20 awards for his work as an actor and director. He received accolades for 'Private', 'Since You’ve Been Gone', 'Jenin, Jenin', and 'Wajib'.
The Carthage Film Festival (1999), Malmö Arab Film Festival (2013), and El-Gouna Film Festival (2023) honored the Palestinian actor for his career. The Berlin Film Festival awarded him the Free Speech Bear Award in 2010.
Bakri recently appeared in the film 'All That’s Left of You', alongside his sons Adam and Saleh. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2025 and won the Silver Yusr for Feature Film at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025. It has also been shortlisted for the Academy Awards 2026.
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The cultural community has mourned his passing, with colleagues and fellow artists recognising Bakri’s profound impact on Palestinian and Arab cinema and theatre. His dedication to his craft and to bearing witness to his people’s struggles endeared him to audiences across the Middle East and around the world.
He is survived by his wife, Layla, and his six children, all of whom are involved in acting. Bakri’s death marks the end of an era for Palestinian cultural expression, but his influential work continues to inspire and provoke dialogue through film and stage.