He was noted for his appearance in Israeli comedy cult classics of the 1970s, and for producing and directing candid camera "prank films" in the 1980s.

[2] At the beginning of the 2000s, Barkan became a baal teshuva and moved to the religious moshav Beit Gamliel with his family.

During the 1980s, Barkan began to direct and produce films, including the hidden camera film Hayeh Ahaltah Otah (which he directed together with Yigal Shilon), Nipagesh Bachof, Nipagesh Basivuv, Matzlema Bli Busha and Geveret Tiftehi, Ze Ani).

In 1999, Barkan participated in two last films: Look into my eyes and Volcano Junction, in which he played small supporting roles.

In 2003, Barkan took part in the documentary film Zehirut Matzlema along with Nurit Geffen and Josie Katz.