KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SALMAN RUSHDIE (2026)
This is the outspoken cultural heavyweight and writer in his own words. With previously unseen footage captured by Rushdie’s wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, this is both a powerful document of his journey of recovery following the attempt on his life in 2022, and a reflection on his life and work.
With introduction by Simon Longstaff (AO), Executive Director of The Ethics Centre. Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW Sydney, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Policy Risk Institute.
Directed by Alex Gibney, US, 2026, 107 mins, Unclassified 18+
Image: courtesy of Madman Entertainment
WITH INTRODUCTION BY
SIMON LONGSTAFF
Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, a role he continues today. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW Sydney, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country on which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
The views and opinions expressed by the Festival participants are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.