Chris Hansen was turned away from a screening of the new movie that's all about him ... and while he says he didn't want to "sign away" his rights, he actually refused to sign a standard NDA.

Here's the deal ... the TV host went on Fox News to complain about getting turned away from a private screening of "Primetime" -- the new movie starring Robert Pattinson as him -- claiming he showed up ready to watch the flick ... only to be asked to sign a "very restrictive agreement."

Chris says, "The lawyers at A24 wanted me to sign away my rights to my name, image, and brand, essentially, as well as any potential legal rights that would come out of the movie. I couldn't sign that, so they didn't show me the film. I went all the way over there."

However, a studio source tells TMZ ... Chris' version of events are BS -- because he was simply given the standard NDA that everyone else was asked to sign to avoid spoilers. At no time was he asked to sign away his name, image or brand. And since he didn't want to play ball ... he didn't get to watch. Simple as that.

As you know ... the trailer for "Primetime" has the whole internet buzzing -- with many praising Robert for what looks like a perfect impression of Chris.

Chris seems less enthused about the film -- questioning "Hollywood's motive" for making it ... and we'd imagine his recent frustration with the NDA will only add to his distaste.

Bottom line ... if Chris wants to see the flick, he's going to have to wait to have a seat in the theater.