Director
Alireza Khatami
46 years · Iran · 14 films
Alireza Khatami is an award-winning writer, director, and producer based in Canada. Born into the indigenous Khamse tribe in southeast Iran, Alireza draws from the rich oral storytelling traditions of his heritage, crafting a unique style blending magic realism with sharp social commentary. Known for his bold cinematic choices defying convention, his films unravel the invisible architecture of power, tracing societal systems and psychological forces that shape human behavior and identity. Alireza began as an assistant director alongside esteemed filmmakers, including two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi. His debut feature, Oblivion Verses, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2017, garnering critical acclaim and winning multiple awards, including the Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay and the FIPRESCI prize. His second feature, Terrestrial Verses (co-directed with Ali Asgari), premiered in the Un Certain Regard competition at Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews and has been theatrically released in more than 15 countries. Alireza's boundary-pushing third feature, The Things You Kill, earned him the Best Director Award at the World Dramatic Competition of Sundance Film Festival 2025.
Best known for
Filmography 14
Divine Comedy
2026 · Writer
The Things You Kill
2025 · Screenplay, Director
On Philo
Higher than Acidic Clouds
2024 · Producer
Terrestrial Verses
2023 · (voice), Director
On Philo
Until Tomorrow
2022 · Screenplay
On Film Movement Plus
Oblivion Verses
2018 · Director, Screenplay
On Kanopy
Frost
2017 · Writer
Lantouri
2016 · Actor
When the Curtain Falls
2013 · Writer, Editor
Taipei Factory
2013 · Director, Writer
Mr. Chang's New Address
2013 · Writer, Director
Rain Dog
2013 · Editor, Director
Elephant in the Street
2011 · Director, Writer
Focal Point
2009 · Director, Editor