Private Project

Without Permission

An exiled Iranian filmmaker returns home after being denied permission for his scripted film, determined to capture the voice of the new generation and their unfiltered thoughts on love, identity, and freedom. He turns to children secretly, filming in a hidden location. As he navigates a societal and political barrier, his journey becomes a powerful exploration of self-expression in the controlled world.

  • Hassan Nazer
    Director
    Winners 2022, BAFTA Scotland winning film 2023
  • Hassan Nazer
    Writer
    Winners 2022
  • Hassan Nazer
    Producer
  • Behrooz Sebt Rasoul
    Key Cast
    "Director "
  • Setareh Fakharri
    Key Cast
    "Assistance director "
  • Mehdi Mehri
    Key Cast
    "Reza"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 5, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • BUSAN film festival (Main Competition)
    BUSAN
    September 21, 2025
    World
    Main Competition
Distribution Information
  • DreamLab Films
    Sales Agent
    Country: France
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Hassan Nazer

Hassan Nazer is an internationally acclaimed British–Iranian film director and storyteller, known for his powerful, human-centered narratives that bridge cultures and resonate with global audiences. Born in Iran and based in the UK for over 25 years, he studied film in Aberdeen, developing a cinematic voice shaped by a deep understanding of Middle Eastern heritage and European life.
His breakout feature, Winners (2022), received widespread acclaim and won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Feature Film in 2023. The film was also selected as the UK’s official submission to the 95th Academy Awards for Best International Feature. Winners reflects Hassan’s signature approach: emotionally resonant storytelling with universal themes, often using non-professional actors to capture raw authenticity and grounded human experience.
In line with that artistic vision, Hassan recently completed the film Without Permission, which continues his commitment to working with real communities and lived experiences. The film is currently awaiting its international festival premiere.
Hassan also directed Utopia (2015), which was Afghanistan’s official submission to both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. The film, which centers on a female protagonist, was widely celebrated at international festivals and further solidified Hassan’s reputation for exploring narratives of strength, resilience, and social justice.
Across his work, Hassan consistently explores themes of identity, migration, and the human impact of social and political upheaval. His films have screened at major international festivals and are widely recognized for their authenticity, poetic realism, and strong cross-cultural appeal.

Upcoming Project: Farida – The Girl Who Beat ISIS
Hassan is currently preparing to direct Farida, The Girl Who Beat ISIS, a UK–Germany co-production scheduled to begin filming in late 2025. Based on the powerful true story of a Yazidi survivor, the film explores themes of survival, justice, and female empowerment, continuing Hassan’s dedication to telling bold, globally resonant stories with purpose and heart.
With a growing body of international work and a deep sensitivity to both Eastern and Western audiences, Hassan Nazer is a filmmaker with a bold voice, a clear vision, and a profound global reach.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, my work has always been about pushing boundaries both personal and
societal.
Filming in Iran, especially in these times, is an act of both courage and necessity. The
country is going through immense social and political transformation, and the younger
generation stands at the heart of this change. In 'Without Permission', I chose to capture
their unfiltered thoughts-their dreams, struggles, and fears-through the voices of
children. Working with non-actors in hidden locations, I aimed to portray the raw purity
of their words, untouched by external agendas.
This is not a film that judges; it is a film that listens. It does not seek to define Iran but
rather to reflect the many realities within it. By presenting these voices with honesty, I
hope to create a space to think, to question, and perhaps help them find their own
means of addressing these deeply rooted social issues.
But this film comes with personal risk. In making 'Without Permission', I have put at
stake my right to return, my personal place in the world I left behind. Yet, I believe in
the necessity of this film. Some stories demand to be told, even when telling them comes
at a cost.