Canada Taps The Things You Kill for Oscar Race in Best International Feature
Alireza Khatami’s genre-bending drama, already lauded at Sundance and Reims Polar, will represent Canada in the 2026 Academy Awards race.
Canada has officially selected The Things You Kill as its submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on August 26, following a deliberation by a 24-member national selection committee coordinated by Telefilm Canada. Chosen from a field of 16 submissions, the film marks a significant step in Alireza Khatami’s rising international profile.
Written, directed, and produced by Khatami, The Things You Kill is a multinational co-production between Canadian outfit Tell Tall Tale, France’s Fulgurance, Mexico’s Remora Films and Lava Films, Turkey’s Sineaktif, and Belgium’s Band With Pictures. The film will be released in Canada by Mongrel Media on September 19 and premiered in France via Le Pacte on July 23. Belgian company Best Friend Forever is handling international sales.
“Among all these remarkable films, the jury chose The Things You Kill to represent Canada at the Oscars. This decision highlights both the exceptional talent of its creative team and the strength of Canadian cinema as a whole,” said Julie Roy, CEO of Telefilm Canada.
A Singular Voice on the World Stage
Iranian-born and Canadian-based, Alireza Khatami is known for blending magical realism with socially engaged narratives. His debut feature, Oblivion Verses, won the Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay and the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2017 Venice Film Festival. His follow-up, Terrestrial Verses (co-directed with Ali Asgari), premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2023.
The Things You Kill, his third feature, premiered at Sundance earlier this year where it earned the World Cinema Dramatic Directing Award. The film also garnered acclaim at France’s Reims Polar festival, receiving both the Jury Prize (shared with Little Jafna) and the Critics’ Award.
Set in Canada and steeped in magical realism, the film tells a powerful story of justice, memory, and reconciliation—resonating especially with communities historically underrepresented in cinema.
“This film is the result of eight years of effort and love. That it was chosen to represent Canada sends a strong message about the value of stories by Indigenous, Black, and racialized filmmakers,” said Alireza Khatami, following the announcement.
What’s Next?
The road to the Oscars continues with the shortlist of 15 international films, set to be revealed on December 16, 2025. The final five nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026, ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
With an acclaimed festival run, growing buzz, and a compelling artistic vision, The Things You Kill stands as a serious contender in this year’s increasingly competitive Oscar race.