WME Welcomes Directors Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei, Creators of a Sundance Award-Winning Film Made in Secret

WME Signs Directors Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei Following Sundance Success

WME has officially signed directors Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei, the creative partners behind the Sundance award-winning film The Friend’s House Is Here. The husband-and-wife duo will be represented across all areas by the agency.

Their film debuted last month at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, earning critical acclaim. The cast was honored with the coveted Best Ensemble Award by the Sundance Grand Jury.

The Friend’s House Is Here, produced under their Alma Linda Films banner with executive producer Maryam Keshavarz, who won acclaim for The Persian Version, was filmed covertly in Tehran amid challenging conditions imposed by the country’s regime. The narrative explores the underground art scene of the city, focusing on two young women who carve out a space of freedom and sisterhood. However, their creative community becomes exposed, forcing them to fight to protect one another.

The production faced significant logistical hurdles, especially following last summer’s U.S. bombing of Iran. Limited communication access and security challenges complicated the filmmakers’ efforts to present their work at Sundance. In a remarkable logistical feat, a team member transported the film’s hard drive across the border to Turkey, enduring a 12-hour journey with five security checkpoints. Unfortunately, many cast members were unable to attend the premiere due to U.S. visa restrictions and remain in Tehran.

Now based in New York, Keshavarz and Ataei are currently developing multiple projects, including the dramatic feature The Buried Mirror, which is set to begin production in June. They will be represented at WME by Niki Montazaran.