At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, audiences were deeply moved by a new documentary that chronicles Salman Rushdie’s remarkable recovery from a brutal knife attack. Titled *Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie*, the film received a resounding standing ovation, highlighting not just the author’s struggle for survival but also his profound reflections on art, culture, and the threats posed by authoritarianism.
A Frightening Attack
On 12 August 2022, Rushdie was preparing to speak at the Chautauqua Institution in New York when tragedy struck. A masked assailant lunged at him with a knife, inflicting 15 wounds across his face, neck, and torso. The shocking scene unfolded before a horrified audience, who bravely intervened to subdue the attacker. Rushdie narrowly escaped death but faced life-changing injuries, including damage to his left hand and the loss of sight in his right eye.
The film opens with a harrowing recreation of that moment, offering a visceral glimpse into the chaos of the attack from Rushdie’s perspective. It poignantly juxtaposes the violence he endured with his subsequent journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.
A Testament to Healing and Defiance
Directed by Alex Gibney and based on Rushdie’s memoir, the documentary reveals the intimate toll of the attack through never-before-seen footage captured by his wife, poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths. The film does not shy away from the brutal reality of Rushdie’s injuries, showing him in the trauma ward, grappling with the aftermath of the assault. Griffiths, reflecting on their experiences during the filming, remarked, “It was not about making a film; it was about understanding our reality in that moment.”
Yet, beyond personal recovery, Rushdie and Griffiths’ decision to document this painful chapter serves as a bold act of defiance against the political violence that threatens freedom of expression. At the Sundance premiere, the 78-year-old author asserted, “It’s not about me. It’s about a larger issue—violence unleashed by the unscrupulous against culture.”
Echoes of the Past
The documentary also delves into Rushdie’s earlier life, chronicling the backlash he faced following the publication of *The Satanic Verses* in 1988. The work incited outrage among many Muslims, leading to the infamous fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini. Archival footage of protests from around the globe, where demonstrators burned effigies of Rushdie, serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring conflict between artistic expression and censorship.
Rushdie shared that revisiting this turbulent period was difficult but essential: “If you don’t understand what happened then, you don’t understand what’s happening now.” Gibney echoed this sentiment during a post-screening discussion, linking past protests to contemporary issues surrounding free speech and the rise of political extremism.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Throughout the film, Rushdie’s spirit shines through, even in the darkest moments. He highlights the duality of human nature experienced during the attack—where the worst of humanity emerged alongside acts of extraordinary bravery from those who rushed to save him. “We are that too,” he declared, emphasising the capacity for compassion even in dire circumstances.
Gibney’s narrative not only chronicles the events leading to the attack but also underscores the importance of maintaining our humanity amid the encroachment of authoritarianism. As he stated, “It’s crucial that we continue to embrace our humanity, to love each other, and to foster the intimacy that sustains us,” even as society grapples with profound political challenges.
*Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie* is currently screening at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released to a wider audience later this year.
Why it Matters
This documentary is not merely a recount of a violent incident; it is a powerful exploration of resilience, the importance of cultural discourse, and the necessity of standing against oppression. Rushdie’s story serves as a beacon for artists and advocates worldwide, reminding us that the fight for freedom of expression is more pressing than ever. In a time when voices are increasingly silenced, Rushdie’s journey exemplifies the enduring strength of the human spirit and the vital role that art plays in challenging authoritarianism.
