Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie

A deeply intimate account of Salman Rushdie’s recovery after a life-threatening attack, and an examination of the controversy surrounding his life and early work in the decades before the incident. A film by Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney.

In another collaboration with Kaleida Studio, we brought Rushdie’s story to life through animation, graphics, and visual effects. Scenes from his book The Satanic Verses were recreated through animation, while visual effects immerse viewers in the harrowing experience of the attack and his slow recovery. We also developed sequences that evoke being in the hospital on pain medication, drifting in and out of consciousness, and the disorienting aftermath of the attack. Archival graphics, including newspapers and excerpts from Rushdie’s books, round out the visual language of the film.

Premiered January 25, 2026 at the Sundance Film Festival. US theatrical release began September 17, 2026 at IFC Center in New York.

Documentary Team:

Directed by: Alex Gibney

Edited by: Andy Grieve

Produced by: Jigsaw Productions

Producers: Erin Edeiken, Alex Gibney, Sruthi Pinnamaneni, Daniel Bellone, Mahak Jiwani

Animation & Graphics by Mighty Oak and Kaleida Studio:

Animation & Graphics Artists: Julie Gratz, Chad Sikora, Ivo Stoop

Lead Graphics Producer: Julie Gratz

Graphics Producers: Megan Barbour, Emily Collins, Michaela Olsen, Daniel Shepard