Remembering Mohammad Bakri: A Legacy of Artistic Resistance

Mohammad Bakri, the acclaimed Palestinian actor and filmmaker known for his impactful work in cinema, has passed away in northern Israel. His five-decade career defined him as a key figure in Palestinian storytelling. Bakri’s death on Wednesday at the Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya, attributed to heart and lung issues, marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to artistic expression and cultural resistance.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Throughout his career, Bakri stood as a formidable figure who challenged prevailing narratives through his art. His most renowned work, the 2002 documentary Jenin, Jenin, offered poignant testimonies from residents of the Jenin refugee camp following a tragic Israeli military operation that claimed the lives of 52 Palestinians. This film not only sparked extensive debate in Israel but also solidified Bakri’s status as an influential voice in the realm of Palestinian cinema, a legacy that would often overshadow his later years.

Legal Struggles and Censorship

Bakri’s artistic journey was intertwined with significant challenges, including lengthy legal battles over censorship that highlighted the struggles within Palestinian cultural expression. In 2021, Israeli authorities banned Jenin, Jenin from screening, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022, which deemed the film defamatory. In response, Bakri expressed his intention to appeal, stating, “I intend to appeal the verdict because it is unfair, it is neutering my truth,” in an interview with Walla News.

His determination faced further pressure as five soldiers initiated lawsuits against him, leading to substantial fines and the seizure of all copies of his documentary. Despite these obstacles, Bakri remained steadfast in his commitment to truth, stating in an interview with the British Film Institute earlier this year: “I don’t see Israel as my enemy … but they consider me their enemy. They see me as a traitor … for making a movie.”

An Iconic Career

Born in 1953 in the Galilee village of Bi’ina, Bakri was a Palestinian citizen of Israel who pursued studies in Arabic literature and theatre at Tel Aviv University. He made an unforgettable debut at age 30 in Costa-Gavras’s Hanna K, portraying a Palestinian refugee fighting to reclaim his family’s home. His portrayal of a Palestinian prisoner in the acclaimed 1984 film Beyond the Walls garnered international recognition, earning an Academy Award nomination for the production.

However, it was Bakri’s tireless commitment to depicting Palestinian narratives that truly defined his legacy. He appeared in over 40 films and directed multiple documentaries that shed light on the experiences of Palestinians under occupation and within Israel. Additionally, his solo theatrical performance of The Pessoptimist, based on Emile Habibi’s novel about Palestinian identity, resonated globally, having been performed more than 1,500 times.

Legacy and Family

Bakri is survived by his wife, Leila, and their six children, three of whom—Saleh, Ziad, and Adam—followed in his cinematic footsteps. His funeral took place the same day in Bi’ina, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor the life and impact of a cultural icon.

Conclusion

Mohammad Bakri’s remarkable contributions to Palestinian cinema and his unyielding resistance against censorship have left an indelible mark on the arts. His ability to capture the complexities of identity and conflict through film will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and storytellers.