Oscars 2026: Canada Selects The Things You Kill for Best International Feature

A Bold Choice for Canada’s Submission to the 98th Academy Awards

Canada has officially selected Alireza Khatami’s powerful drama The Things You Kill as its submission for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, directed by the acclaimed Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Alireza Khatami, first premiered at Sundance Film Festival, where it quickly attracted attention for its unique storytelling and emotional depth.

The decision underscores Canada’s growing commitment to supporting diverse voices in cinema and highlights the increasing international recognition of films that explore Middle Eastern and cross-cultural narratives.

The Story Behind The Things You Kill

At its core, The Things You Kill tells the story of a Turkish college professor whose life begins to unravel after the death of his mother. What begins as a family tragedy slowly expands into a deeper exploration of identity, grief, and personal crisis.

The professor, played by Ekin Koç, faces emotional turmoil on both professional and personal fronts. As the narrative unfolds, audiences witness how his private life collapses under mounting pressures, forcing him to confront truths that challenge both his relationships and his sense of self.

The film also features powerful performances from Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü, and Ercan Kesal, each bringing raw emotion and authenticity to the screen.

Alireza Khatami: A Rising Voice in International Cinema

Director Alireza Khatami is no stranger to critical acclaim. His debut feature, Oblivion Verses, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and earned widespread recognition for its poetic narrative style. His second project, Terrestrial Verses, co-directed with Ali Asgari, screened in the Un Certain Regard program at Cannes, further establishing Khatami as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle difficult themes with sensitivity and artistry.

Speaking about his latest project, Khatami said:

“I am truly delighted that our film The Things You Kill has been selected to represent Canada at the Oscars. Eight years in the making, this film is a labor of love shaped by the dedication and generosity of so many extraordinary souls. What makes this moment especially meaningful to me is that Canada is making space for stories that BIPOC filmmakers have to share.”

This statement reflects not only the filmmaker’s gratitude but also the broader importance of cultural representation within Canadian cinema.

Canada’s Strategy with International Film Submissions

This year’s choice continues a noticeable trend: Canada has consistently chosen films with Middle Eastern themes for Oscar submissions in recent years.

• In 2023, Canadian director Zayne Akyol’s Rojek, a documentary about former ISIS members and their dream of a caliphate, was submitted as the country’s official entry.

• In 2024, Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language, an absurdist comedy blending Farsi and French, represented Canada.

By selecting The Things You Kill, Canada reinforces its commitment to spotlighting films that not only resonate with global audiences but also showcase its multicultural identity and openness to diverse storytelling traditions.

Critical Reception and Early Reviews

The reaction from critics has been largely positive, with many praising both the emotional performances and the stylistic direction.

In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, critic Jordan Mintzer wrote:

“What starts off as a staid and naturalistic drama, about a man experiencing a midlife crisis following the death of his mother, veers into Buñuel or De Palma territory in the latter half. Identities are swapped, bodies are dropped and everything seems out of whack. That is, until Khatami tries to tie things together without much explanation.”

This suggests that the film takes bold narrative risks, shifting from grounded drama into surreal psychological territory. Such daring storytelling may resonate strongly with Academy voters looking for originality in the Best International Feature category.

The Production and Creative Team

The Things You Kill is not only directed but also written and produced by Alireza Khatami. The film is co-produced by an international team that includes Tell Tall Tale, Fulgurance, Remora Films, Lava Films, Band With Pictures, and Sineaktif.

The multilingual nature of the film, with dialogue in both Turkish and Farsi, reflects the complexity of the story and its cross-cultural context. This blend of languages may also strengthen its appeal to global audiences, particularly in an era where international storytelling is increasingly valued at the Oscars.

Why This Selection Matters for Canada

Canada’s film industry has long been praised for its ability to nurture unique voices. Choosing The Things You Kill highlights several important themes:

1. Cultural Diversity – As an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker working on a Turkish-language story, Khatami represents the multicultural fabric of Canada.

2. Artistic Boldness – The film’s risk-taking narrative structure sets it apart from safer, formula-driven productions.

3. Global Relevance – Themes of grief, identity, and personal collapse are universal, ensuring the film resonates beyond regional boundaries.

4. Representation – By supporting BIPOC filmmakers, Canada continues to play a vital role in shaping the conversation about inclusion in global cinema.

The Road to the 98th Academy Awards

With its official Canadian release scheduled for September 19, 2025, The Things You Kill will enter awards season with strong momentum. The film’s premiere at Sundance, coupled with its festival buzz and Canada’s official backing, positions it as a strong contender in the Best International Feature Film race.

The Academy Awards ceremony, set to take place on March 15, 2026, will determine whether Khatami’s ambitious project can make history for Canada. While the competition is always fierce, the film’s emotional depth, artistic ambition, and international appeal may give it a significant edge.

Looking Ahead: Can The Things You Kill Win?

While it is too early to predict the outcome, several factors could work in favor of The Things You Kill:

• Strong Festival Pedigree: Premiering at Sundance often gives films a boost in credibility.

• Critical Acclaim: Early reviews praise its bold storytelling choices.

• Oscar-Friendly Themes: The combination of personal tragedy, psychological drama, and cultural depth aligns well with what Academy voters tend to reward.

• Canadian Track Record: Canada has previously scored nominations in the category, showing its ability to back films that resonate internationally.

However, much will depend on how the film is marketed during awards season and whether it can stand out among the many global entries.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s choice of The Things You Kill for the Best International Feature Oscar submission is both daring and inspiring. With its powerful performances, bold narrative shifts, and cross-cultural storytelling, the film captures the essence of international cinema in today’s interconnected world.

Whether or not it secures a nomination, the film has already achieved something significant: it has brought international attention to a story that blends Turkish, Iranian, and Canadian perspectives into a cinematic experience that is both personal and universal.

As the world awaits the 98th Academy Awards, one thing is clear: The Things You Kill has already established itself as one of the most important films of the year, not only for Canada but for world cinema as a whole.