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

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have come on board as executive producers of “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now,” which won Cannes Film Festival’s short film Palme d’Or this year.

Palestinian Tawfeek Barhom directed, wrote and co-stars in the 13-minute drama, which is a co-production between Palestine, France and Greece. The film also stars Ashraf Barhom.

The story follows two brothers who return to the island of their childhood, where hidden tensions and long-buried secrets force them to confront a haunting past that binds them together.

Phoenix said, “This is a film that confronts memory, trauma, and reconciliation in a way that feels urgent and necessary today. I’m proud to be part of its future.”

Mara added, “From the moment I saw ‘I’m Glad You’re Dead Now,’ its emotional weight and restrained power stayed with me. I am honored to support Tawfeek’s vision and the film’s continuing journey.”

Barhom said, “I am deeply moved that Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix have chosen to stand with this film and its story. Their belief honors the film’s spirit, and their creative support will be invaluable as we take ‘I’m Glad You’re Dead Now’ to wider audiences.”

The producers said Phoenix and Mara will “participate in upcoming press, festival introductions, and strategic collaborations to ensure the film’s continued impact and reach.”

The film is co-produced by France’s Kidam and Greece’s Foss Productions. Kidam is best known for “Zero F**** Given” (Critics’ Week, Cannes, 2021), starring Adèle Exarchopoulos. Foss Productions has produced or co-produced many short and feature films, such as “Suntan,” “Pity” and “Echoes of the Past.”

The producers are Tawfeek Barhom, Akis Polizos, Stylianos Kotionis and Alexandre Perrier.

The film will screen at the Doha Film Festival this month.