Jake Hanrahan

Directing

Biography

Hanrahan is an independent journalist and documentary filmmaker from the East Midlands, UK. He focuses on underground countercultures, global conflict, and organised crime. His work work relies heavily on an unfiltered approach to on-the-ground reporting. His access within the fringes of society, militant organisations, and underworld networks, has led him to work all over the world. See his work: www.jakehanrahan.com

Born: January 23, 1990

Place of Birth: Northampton, East Midlands, UK

Known For

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Plastic Defence

Plastic Defence is a documentary about illegal 3D printed firearms in Europe and the decentralised network behind them. These guns are robust, they don't blow up in your hands, and they're untraceable. What's more, they're being made in people's bedrooms. Popular Front got access to the network designing and building these downloadable rifles. It goes by the name "Deterrence Dispensed". Its members are determined to give untraceable DIY firearms to the world. We spent time with the founder of the movement—a man known as JStark.

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Mass State Lottery

A failed private investigator investigates a series of disappearances, and in order to get his way he's even willing to manipulate a grieving mother.

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No Rules is No Rules

Europe is seeing a clandestine emergence of illegal underground "No Rules" fight clubs: no rules, no rounds, no gloves. Young men are risking life and limb at these hidden events, which allow everything from biting and head-butting to eye-gouging and neck stamping. This world is one of unfiltered ultraviolence and raw instinct. Away Days got special access into this scene. We spent three years attending hidden brawls all over Europe to document what is one of the most authentic new countercultures on earth.

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Favela Government

Brazil's "Red Command" drug cartel is considered a plague by the government. But for the people of the favelas they control, Red Command *is* the government. They’re the de facto leadership of the area. The gang has taken over the role of the authorities in their shanty towns, where the state has long abandoned them. Away Days got special access to the Rio favelas, hanging out out with young foot-soldiers, speaking to commanders, and seeing how civilians live between the gangs and the equally violent police militias.

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Thirteen Sector

The Islamic country of Kazakhstan is one of the most unlikely places for football hooliganism to take root. And yet, believe it or not, the scene there is growing rapidly. Born from Aktobe’s “13 Sector”, these crews mix British hooliganism, European ultras culture, and ancient Kazakh tradition to create a unique, fully-formed underground counterculture. Forest fights, street patrols, fanaticism—a new scene thriving 3000 miles away from where it all began. Away Days got unprecedented access to these hooligans, travelling all the way to Kazakhstan to meet them. We followed the region’s most notorious firm in the lead-up to the biggest derby of the year…

Filmography

2026

Thirteen Sector

as Reporter / Producer

2025

Mass State Lottery

as Doyle

2020

Plastic Defence

as Reporter / Producer

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No Rules is No Rules

as Reporter / Producer

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Favela Government

as Reporter / Producer