Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
Alex Gibney / United States / 2026 / International Premiere / 107 min
The world-renowned author, who survived a brutal assassination attempt, confronts his past in a deeply personal account of the struggle for freedom of expression by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney.
Fifteen stab wounds in 27 seconds. That is what Salman Rushdie has survived when he opens his only functioning eye and looks directly into the camera. Together with his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Rushdie decides to document his slow return to life a few days after an assassination attempt in New York.
In the hands of Oscar winner Alex Gibney, a harrowing and deeply reflective story unfolds that follows Rushdie’s rehabilitation – not least of his spirit, humour and optimism. The backstory begins when, after the publication of ‘The Satanic Verses’, Rushdie is issued a fatwa by Iran’s Ayatollah and lives under constant threat for decades while fighting for freedom of expression.
It culminates in a harrowing recording of the assassination attempt and his return to the scene of the crime to close this dark chapter in his life. In the spirit of Rushdie, the film explores how religion and art can be an explosive combination, while he reflects on violence, forgiveness and the right to speak freely – issues that are more urgent than ever.