I’m Azadeh Nikzadeh, an Iranian-American writer, director, and producer driven by a passion for telling global stories of resilience, identity, and empowerment. Born and raised in Iran during times of war and oppression, I learned early on the power of storytelling to bridge divides and amplify silenced voices. My work explores untold narratives and the strength of the human spirit, with a focus on women’s rights and cultural connection.
Through my films and collaborations, I aim to create meaningful, thought-provoking stories that inspire change and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives.
At the heart of my work lies a commitment to exploring stories that transcend borders and amplify voices often left unheard. Through my journey as a writer, director, and producer, I’ve crafted narratives that shed light on resilience, identity, and the fight for equality. My projects, whether cinematic or collaborative, reflect a deep passion for celebrating cultural diversity and human connection.
From navigating censorship in Iran to creating award-winning films, my mission is to use storytelling as a powerful tool for change—sparking dialogue, breaking barriers, and empowering others to see the world through a new lens.
Dandelion The Messenger of My Grandma Batul is a political drama, Sundance Writing Lab Second rounder about the tension and propaganda in the Middle East.
A Film by: Azadeh Nikzadeh (In Development)
The Girl Sitting Here | Writer, Director, Editor: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Production: Burnt Generation Studios
Synopsis: The Girl sitting Here tackles the culture of sexual violence against women in the Middle East as we follow Bahar getting pushed into a temporary marriage.
Hashshashin | Director: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Writer: Brady Walker | Production: Burnt Generation Pictures
Synopsis: Seabass, a stoner drug dealer, who stole money from his boss, a Persian mob called Omid. To give him a lesson, Omid dispatches his devotee assassin, Fida.
X | Written, Directed : Azadeh Nikzadeh | Production: Burnt Generation Pictures
Synopsis: Inspired by a true historical event, follows Mina, a seven year old girl, on the night of February.6.1983 in Tehran, Iran as she gradually discovers the truth about her father’s secret life and the great peril that she, naively, put him into.
Boundless | Writer, Director: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Production: Burned Generation Pictures
Synopsis: Katrina loses a bet with her friend and now she has to wear the veil walking in the streets on New York
Vida | Writers: Azadeh Nikzadeh, Bita Elahian | Director: Bita Elahian | Production: Unique Directing
Synopsis: In January 2017 with the first executive order from president Trump "Travel ban" Iranian immigrants mom (Vida) who lives in the United States, goes to airport to pick up her daughter when she arrived from Iran . Not only she can't pick up her but also, she couldn't see her and they deported her daughter directly from airport to Iran. After one week her life goes to change forever.
Whisper (Persian: Najva) | Writer, Director: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Production: Burnt Generation Pictures
Synopsis: A man in his 40s is trying to make his mind clear about the relationship with his wife. Going back to a place, he tries to find an answer.
Nice To Meet You | Writer, Director, Editor: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Production: Burnt Generation Pictures
Synopsis: When a filmmaker from Israel is introduced to a filmmaker from Iran for the first time and how they react to it.
Yolanda Fundora HerStory Quilt: Simone De Beauvoir | Editor: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Director: Liza Reznik
Synopsis: A short documentary about the artist, Yolanda Fundora, and her beautiful quilts which depicts the women who shaped the history of the 20th century.
Remembrance Journey | Editor: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Director: Lisa Reznik
Synopsis: This short documentary explores the experience of students from New Jersey as they learn about the Holocaust.
This Is Not a Doc | Executive Producer: Azadeh Nikzadeh | Director: Assal Ghawami | Production: Expatfilms
Synopsis: A documentary film crew follows an Iranian woman, a doctor who is living under political house arrest. Inviting journalists into her home to share her research can hold a potential death sentence, a risk she is willing to take in order to save countless lives.
