Killer of Sheep
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