Of Father and Sons: The Bakri Family On Screen

Palestinian actor, filmmaker, and activist Mohammad Bakri worked onstage and on screen from the early 80s until his passing in December 2025. A highly regarded figure, Bakri is considered a founding father of Palestinian cinema. That designation also applies literally, since Bakri’s six children—notably Saleh, Ziad, Adam, and Mahmood—are themselves respected actors and occasional filmmakers. Known as some of the best in the region, the Bakris have appeared in many beloved films and television shows produced across the globe, often performing alongside each other. With two high-profile films featuring various members of the family coming out this year, and in memory of their patriarch, there has never been a more appropriate time to explore some of the incredible work of this talented film family.