THE THINGS YOU KILL

Canada | France | Poland | Turkey

A university professor tormented by the suspicious death and possible abuse of his ailing mother, persuades his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengence. But under pressure from family and the authorities, they are forced to confront their actions and decide how far they are prepared to go. 

Director:
Alireza Khatami

Screenplay:
Alireza Khatami

Producer:
Elisa Sepulveda Ruddoff, Mariusz Włodarski, Cyriac Auriol, Alireza Khatami

Co-Producer:
Marta Gmosińska, Alireza Khatami, Michael Saloman, Ekin Koç

Executive Producers:
Naomi Despres, Michèle Marshall

International Sales:
Best Friends Forever

A drama set in Turkey from 2023 Cannes Un Certain Regard nominated Iranian writer-director Alireza Khatami. Khatami says: The Things You Kill captures the pulse of my generation as we grapple with our fathers’ profound mistakes. Set against the volatile backdrop of the Middle East, the film is a personal and collective journey to break free from a legacy of violence — a journey that demands we take a brutally honest look at ourselves.” He shares that shooting the film in Turkey was essential, as he needed to reconnect with his roots, given that he hails from the indigenous Khamse tribe, who speak a Turkic dialect.

The Things You Kill will premiere at Sundance 2025 (World Cinema Dramatic Competition). Co-produced by Fulgurance Films, Lava Films, & Remora Films, Khatami’s Tell Tall Tale, Sineaktif, and Les Films Band With Pictures. Desmar is executive producing.