Held on 13 November, the talk was part of Cairo Industry Days, CIFF’s platform designed to help industry professionals connect and build collaborations, while also creating engaging points of contact between filmmakers and audiences.
Moderated by Egyptian broadcaster Sherif Nour El-Din, the session shed light on Bakri, who has established himself as a distinctive voice in both Arab and international cinema.
Omar as a milestone
Following several roles in regional films, Bakri rose to prominence with his portrayal of Omar, the title character in Hany Abu-Assad’s 2013 film. Presenting the Palestinian struggle, Omar garnered numerous awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014.
As Bakri explained, the film’s subject deeply resonated with him, highlighting the weight of responsibility he carried as a Palestinian actor.
"Certain scenes in Omar embodied the suffering of my people. That awareness transformed my approach to every role," he said.
Bakri’s acclaimed performance in Omar—which earned him several Best Actor awards internationally—is not only tied to his cultural identity but also reflects the artistic foundation that shaped him from a young age.
His early life was steeped in a rich artistic tradition, thanks to his father, the renowned director Mohammad Bakri. "Being raised in an artistic household was challenging but formative," Bakri reflected.
His father pushed him to take his craft seriously, perform with passion, and prove himself. Bakri recalled a formative moment early in his career in New York, when he broke down on stage and could not finish a performance. His father’s words of encouragement were pivotal: "If you want to be a real actor, come back to the stage tomorrow, or we'll both return to Palestine."
It was during this vulnerable moment that Bakri learned the value of persistence and self-expression. He also realized that "a Palestinian always faces a greater challenge in life," an awareness that would profoundly shape his craft.
As his career advanced, Bakri began collaborating with internationally acclaimed artists, including Keira Knightley in the political thriller Official Secrets (2019). Working with her, he noted, "taught me invaluable lessons about professionalism and helped me define the kinds of roles I want to pursue in the future."
He refuses stereotypical roles, especially those portraying Arabs or Palestinians as terrorists. "I cannot be a good actor if I don't love what I do. I reject roles that don't align with my convictions," he said, demonstrating a commitment to integrity and self-awareness that sets him apart in an industry where typecasting remains common.
Egypt connection
Bakri explained that Egyptian cinema was among the factors shaping his perception of filmmaking, with actors inspiring him through nuanced portrayals of complex human experiences.
"I grew up watching Egypt’s golden age movies. Through watching films such as Seraa’ Fel Wadi (The Blazing Sun, 1954) by Youssef Chahine or Fi Baytena Ragol (A Man in Our House, 1961) by Henry Barakat, I was awed; and inspired especially by Omar Sharif. Both Egyptian cinema and Omar Sharif in particular have affected my formative years and shaped my understanding of emotionally rich, human-centered storytelling."
This connection further strengthened Bakri’s appreciation of Arab culture and guided his return to regional productions, including the Lebanese series Bab Al-Jaheem (Hell's Gate, 2021–), which he described as bringing him "back to the world I had left behind." Looking ahead, Bakri revealed he is joining a new Egyptian series set to air during Ramadan, calling it "an important new chapter in my career" and signaling his continued engagement with stories that resonate with Arab audiences.
Rooted in Palestine
Bakri remains committed to Palestinian cinema and preserving his heritage.
He acknowledged that filming in Palestine, especially after the Gaza conflict on 7 October 2023, has become increasingly difficult. Even established directors like Hany Abu-Assad have had to adapt creatively to document reality.
"Filming has become more difficult, but awareness is growing globally," he observed, recalling his time in New York, where he witnessed international solidarity and felt that "liberation is inevitable."
One of Bakri’s recent projects, All That’s Left of You (2025), directed by Cheriene Dabis, marks another milestone in his career. The multi-award-winning film, which traces the impact of trauma on a Palestinian family over three generations, features both his father, Mohammad Bakri, and his brother, Saleh Bakri. "It’s a deeply personal and artistic milestone for us," he said.
When asked about his personal and professional driving forces, Bakri shared two dreams: "On a national level, I hope to see an end to Palestinian suffering. On a personal level, I want to continue presenting meaningful artistic works."
He emphasized the importance of having a dream to guide life: "Life without a dream is more difficult. Having clear goals allows for conscious, deliberate choices."
Moving between regional and international cinema, Bakri draws inspiration from everything around him: “from human experience, literature, philosophy, and even chess. Chess has taught me patience and new ways of thinking," he concluded.
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