Navid Nikkhah Azad
Directing
Biography
Navid Nikkhah Azad, an Iranian political asylum seeker residing in the Netherlands, has a diverse professional background as a Film Director, Critic, and Journalist. His work in directing has been recognized, boasting multiple award-winning films showcased across more than 300 international film festivals. Navid Nikkhah Azad is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ). One of his notable works includes the short film 'The Recess' (2021), which portrays the tragic story of the Iranian football fan, Sahar Khodayari, also known as Blue Girl. This film has garnered over 160 international selections and 30 awards. In November 2023, Navid Nikkhah Azad fled to the Netherlands after producing "No End," a film scrutinizing the Iranian government and its leader Ali Khamenei. Concerned about facing imprisonment, torture, or worse, he sought political asylum in the Netherlands for safety and protection.
Known For
On a winter night, in the northernmost reaches of the world, Ali, an Iranian writer living in exile, retreats with his former lover, Nazanin, to a glass cabin beneath the northern lights. There, in the silence of the polar night, he intends to say goodbye. Despite facing a long prison sentence, Ali has decided to return to Iran — to continue the struggle he once left behind.
Sense of Water
Sahar a 17 year old student is determined to skip high school during the recess to attend the football stadium to watch the football match between Esteghlal F.C. vs. Al-Ain as part of AFC Champions League against the national ban on women to enter football stadiums in Iran.
The Recess
A blind woman is going to meet her wheelchair-accessible son in a park. She is both anxious and expectant about meeting his new girlfriend.
Motherly
Amidst Iran's tumultuous socio-political unrest, 'No End' directed by Navid Nikkhah Azad follows Gholamali Darbari, a filmmaker whose daring exposé, 'Forced Confession,' reveals Iran's covert coercion practices. When government authorities seize his film, Darbari refuses to be silenced. Determined to challenge the Iranian government's suppression of truth amidst societal upheaval, he creates a protest selfie-video.