A significant development in the independent film world sees acclaimed actors Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara stepping in as executive producers for the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Palme d’Or-winning project, “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now.” This move is set to amplify the reach and impact of the powerful Palestinian short film, directed by Tawfeek Barhom.

Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara Board Cannes-Winning Palestinian Short ‘I’m Glad You’re Dead Now’ as Executive Producers

The award-winning short film “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now,” a poignant drama from Palestinian filmmaker Tawfeek Barhom, has garnered additional support with the announcement that Hollywood stars Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are joining the project as executive producers. The film, which claimed the prestigious Short Film Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is poised for wider recognition through their involvement.

The Acclaimed Short Film: “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now”

Directed, written, and co-starring Tawfeek Barhom, “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now” is a 13-minute drama that delves into complex family dynamics and buried history. The film is a co-production spanning Palestine, France, and Greece, showcasing an international collaboration in storytelling. Barhom also shares the screen with Ashraf Barhom, portraying two brothers at the heart of the narrative.

A Powerful Narrative of Memory and Confrontation

The story of “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now” follows two brothers who return to their childhood island. This homecoming forces them to confront deeply buried secrets and long-simmering tensions, unraveling a dark and haunting past that binds them together. The film explores themes of memory, trauma, and the challenging path toward reconciliation.

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s Executive Producer Role

The decision by Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara to join “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now” as executive producers underscores the film’s significant emotional weight and artistic merit. Their commitment reflects a belief in the film’s urgent and necessary confrontation of memory and trauma. As executive producers, Phoenix and Mara are expected to leverage their influence to further the film’s reach. Their role will involve participating in upcoming press events, festival introductions, and strategic collaborations, aiming to ensure the film’s continued impact and broader audience engagement.

Filmmakers and International Co-Production

Tawfeek Barhom not only directed and wrote the film but also served as a producer alongside Akis Polizos, Stylianos Kotionis, and Alexandre Perrier. The short film is a collaborative effort between France’s Kidam and Greece’s Foss Productions, both renowned for their contributions to independent cinema. Kidam is recognized for films such as “Zero F**** Given,” while Foss Productions has a diverse portfolio of short and feature films, including “Suntan” and “Pity”.

Upcoming Screenings and Continued Journey

Following its triumph at the Cannes Film Festival, “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now” is set to continue its festival circuit, with upcoming screenings providing further opportunities for audiences to experience its compelling narrative. The film’s journey is a testament to the power of independent cinema to explore complex human experiences and resonate with viewers globally.

Conclusion

The involvement of Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara as executive producers marks a significant moment for “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now,” a Palestinian short film that has already captivated critics at Cannes. Their support is poised to elevate the visibility of Tawfeek Barhom’s powerful storytelling, bringing its themes of memory, trauma, and reconciliation to a wider international audience and reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in cinema.