Ali Abbasi rides into Academy Films.

8 January 2026

Ali Abbasi, the Iranian-Danish director of films such as 'The Apprentice', 'Border', and 'Holy Spider', has signed to Academy Films for global representation.

It takes guts to make a biopic of Donald Trump, the most litigious and neurotic president in history. Ali Abbasi, director of 2024's 'The Apprentice', has guts galore, and it's a key reason why Academy has signed the Iranian-Danish director to its global roster. As fans of 'Border' and 'Holy Spider' know all too well, Abbasi's always pushes the envelope.

That pleases Academy co-owner Medb Riordan no end: "Ali Abbasi is one of the most exciting filmmakers working today. His films delve into complex characters with nuance, exploring the grey areas between right and wrong, hero and villain. From the powerful, propulsive 'Holy Spider' and 'The Apprentice' to the tender love story at the heart of 'Border', his work always forges a deep emotional connection with the audience.

"His finale episodes of 'The Last of Us' season one ['When We Are in Need' and 'Look for the Light'] remain among the most compelling on television," adds Riordan, "seamlessly blending gripping action with profound emotion. We're thrilled to welcome him to our roster and look forward to seeing his vision in our market."

And what does Abbasi have to say about that? "I'm genuinely excited to collaborate with Academy in a way that's evocative and provocative—to make work that doesn't just communicate, but resonates." If he ever wants to make a sequel to 'The Apprentice', he'll have plenty of material to work with.

Keen to learn more about Ali Abbasi? Of course you are. Just ring George Floyd on 020 7395 4155 or email george@academyfilms.com.