Co-directed by French-Iranian Zar Amir, who won an award at Cannes for Les Nuits de Mashhad, and American-Israeli Guy Nattiv, who won an Oscar for Skin, Tatami is an intense drama starring Arienne Mandi and Zar Amir Ebrahimi. The film tackles the political and personal issues facing an Iranian athlete, delivering a poignant tale of courage and resistance.
Tatami opens in cinemas on September 4, 2024.
Synopsis: Iranian judoka Leila and her coach Maryam travel to the World Judo Championships with the intention of bringing Iran its first gold medal. But during the competition, they receive an ultimatum from the Islamic Republic ordering Leila to feign injury and withdraw to avoid a possible confrontation with the Israeli athlete. With her freedom and that of her family at stake, Leila is faced with an impossible choice: bow to the Iranian regime, as her coach implores, or fight to realize her dream.
In Tatami, Leila, a talented Iranian judoka, and her coach Maryam travel to the World Judo Championships hoping to win a gold medal for their country. However, in the middle of the competition, they receive an imperative order from the Islamic Republic: Leila must feign injury and withdraw to avoid a meeting with an Israeli athlete. Faced with this ultimatum, Leila is torn between the pressure of the regime and her dream of victory, with her family's freedom at stake.
Tatami will appeal to fans of social and political drama, as well as those interested in tales of individual resistance. The film stands out for its focus on the pressures exerted by authoritarian regimes on sportsmen and women, and the moral dilemmas that ensue. Viewers who enjoyed films such as Une Séparation, Le Client, or Les Filles du Soleil will find Tatami an equally emotional and relevant exploration of the struggle for personal freedom in the face of political oppression.
Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir'sTatami promises to be a powerful and moving drama, delving deep into the conflicts between personal aspirations and political pressures. Telling the story of an Iranian judoka faced with an impossible choice, the film offers a profound reflection on freedom, dignity and courage.
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