Tatami

Georgia/United States/United Kingdom
105 minutes
English/Persian
Genre: Action/Drama

An intense political thriller inspired by real events, Tatami follows Iranian female judoka Leila and her coach Maryam, who travel to the World Judo Championships, intent on bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. Midway through the Championships, they receive a chilling ultimatum from the Islamic Republic: because there’s a good chance that an Israeli competitor will make it to the finals, Leila must fake an injury and lose, or be branded a traitor for her tacit acknowledgment that Israel deserves to compete.  With her own safety and her family’s freedom on the line, Leila faces an impossible choice: submit to the Iranian regime, as her coach Maryam implores her to do, or fight on for the gold. TATAMI is the first feature film to be co-directed by an Iranian and an Israeli filmmaker.

Winner of Brian Award at the Venice International Film Festival, Winner of Special Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival

Sponsored by: Dr. Jeffrey & Susan Callen