Opens April 18 | Charles Burnett’s landmark film, submitted as his UCLA Master’s thesis, is a quietly powerful exploration of Black working-class life in Los Angeles. Stan works at a slaughterhouse in Watts, labor he abhors. The burden of his work mirrors his strained marriage and the stress of the daily grind, causing Stan to question whether a better way of life is possible. Burnett’s minimalist style creates a deeply resonant portrait of hardship and resilience in a tough, unforgiving world. Of his first feature, Burnett explained, “You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.” Restored and remastered by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Milestone Films, and the Criterion Collection. Restoration supervised by Ross Lipman and Jillian Borders in consultation with Charles Burnett. 

Awards and Nominations

Winner - FIPRESCI Prize, Forum of New Cinema, Berlin Film Festival

Related Event: 4K digital restoration of Charles Burnett's THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH, opening March 21.

5 QUESTIONS WITH CHARLES BURNETT

Interview from the March/April 2025 Gazette

With the 4K restoration of KILLER OF SHEEP and a re-release of THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH, this has been a momentous year for your legacy and filmography. How have audience responses to these films changed in the years since they have been made? How have they stayed the same?
In the beginning my intention was to bring filmmaking to the community so that young people could see that they could tell a story in ways that only they could. The films have been changed in slight ways to improve them: some significant visual and auditory edits have resulted in improved performances, the visuals are clearer now than when I originally made the films. I haven’t seen the restorations with audiences, but only with technicians—I am looking forward to seeing the refreshed versions with new audiences; they always see something different than I do. I think what happens is that you never believe you have completed the film; there is always something you want to change, but you have to let it go.

You’ve collaborated with so many artists—Julie Dash, Haile Gerima, Larry Clark— what is the key to fruitful collaboration?
Understanding, I suppose, that your job is to help them make a film they want to make. You come to it knowing that they, too, are talented artists who have their view of life and not to interfere with their vision but help them improve upon it. It should be made as easy as possible to assist the collaboration in achieving its goal. You have to learn how to stand back and let your partners create, as well as encourage them, letting them know that you believe in them.

The Film Center welcomes a strong audience of students studying film and endeavoring to thrive within the industry. What is one piece of advice you’d give these students?
Not to be intimidated by the process itself. Look forward to the creative process. Enjoy it, and be as adventurous as possible. Gain from the experiences of others. Remember you are not in competition with anyone but yourself.

What is a memorable moviegoing experience you’ve had?
I enjoy when creatives are allowed to tell their own stories, as opposed to someone else interpreting how people see themselves. When artists tell their own stories, the distortions are removed, and you see people as human beings.

What film do you watch again and again?
In general, I watch many films again and again. I have favorites of course like BICYCLE THIEVES and THE SHOP ON MAIN STREET.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu