Tawfeek Barhom

Tawfeek Barhom, born on July 28, 1990 in Ein Rafa, Israel, is a distinguished Palestinian‑Israeli actor and director whose career has spanned over a decade, beginning in 2011 and continuing to the present. Raised in a Palestinian family near Jerusalem, Barhom’s cultural identity has profoundly shaped his artistic choices, often selecting roles that explore themes of belonging, conflict, and resilience. His breakthrough arrived with the critically acclaimed leading role in A Borrowed Identity (2014), a performance praised for its depth and emotional nuance, establishing him as a compelling presence on the international stage. In 2015 he expanded his repertoire by starring in the Israeli drama The Idol, the intense war film Wounded Land, and the Greek production Worlds Apart, demonstrating his versatility across languages and genres. Barhom’s talent was further recognized in 2022 when he portrayed a pivotal character in Boy from Heaven, a film that entered the main selection at the Cannes Film Festival and earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the 2023 Guldbagge Awards. His commitment to challenging material continued with roles in the biblical epic The Way of the Wind by Terrence Malick, where he embodies the apostle John, as well as in the horror prequel The First Omen (April 2024). Additionally, Barhom showcased his linguistic skill in the French‑language feature Les Fantômes, filmed in Strasbourg and slated for a 2024 release. Beyond acting, he ventured into filmmaking, writing, directing, and starring in the short I’m Glad You’re Dead Now, which won the Short Film Palme d'Or in 2025. Throughout his dynamic career, Barhom has remained a vital voice for Palestinian representation in cinema, blending artistic excellence with a steadfast commitment to his heritage.