Sam Permar is a narrative film director, writer, and actor based on the east coast. He grew up on Martha’s Vineyard where his active imagination quickly led him to start doing theater, and he eventually went on to get his BFA in drama at NYU Tisch. There he studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and began writing and directing micro budget films around the city.

 

Sam’s background in acting enhances his films by giving them a character driven focus, mixing naturalistic performances with off kilter, surreal elements inspired by his love of horror. He uses this combination of styles to explore flawed characters who navigate the world “wrong” in order to succeed.

 

Sam’s films have screened at festivals and programs including Dances With Films, Chattanooga Film Festival, NewFest, and No Budge. His 2024 film Benny Goes Method (co-directed by Nina Zehri) won the audience award for Best Student Short at Another Hole in the Head, and his body horror short Tick won awards at Atlanta ShortsFest and IFFBoston's Student Showcase. Tick was also featured at United Talent Agency's The New Wave showcase in 2025. Sam earned his MFA in film at Emerson College.