Killer of Sheep

Killer of Sheep

USA | 1977 | 83 min. | Charles Burnett

Opens April 18, 2025

Burnett’s films focus on everyday life in black communities in a manner rarely in American cinema—combining lyrical elements with a starkly neorealist, documentary-style approach that chronicles the unfolding story with depth and riveting simplicity.

In Killer of Sheep, Stan, employed at a slaughterhouse, is suffering from the emotional side effects of his bloody occupation to such a degree that his entire life unhinges. Burnett once said of the film, “[Stan’s] real problems lie within the family, trying to make that work and be a human being. You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.”

  • Director: Charles Burnett
  • Country: USA
  • Year: 1977
  • Running Time: 83 min.
  • Producer: Charles Burnett
  • Screenplay: Charles Burnett
  • Cinematographers: Charles Burnett
  • Editors: Charles Burnett
  • Website: Official Film Website
  • Language: English
  • US Distributor: Kino Lorber