CINEMA – In the aftermath of the Olympic Games, and as the armed conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, a film reminds us that sport can bring nations together and crystallize tensions. Tatamireleased in theaters this Wednesday, September 4, is more relevant than ever.
For Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Iran is experiencing “a revolution with no turning back”
Co-directed by Guy Nattiv, an Israeli living in the United States, and Zar Amir Ebrahimi, an Iranian refugee in France, the feature film is a unique collaboration, inspired by several true stories. In this almost closed-door black and white film, judoka Leila Hosseini and her coach Maryam, a former national champion, are in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the world judo championships.
As the competition progresses, the athlete rises in the rankings. Her coach then receives a direct order from the Islamic Republic of Iran: Leila must fake an injury and give up, to avoid the risk of facing the Israeli judoka on the tatami. While Maryam tries to obey, her student refuses to bow to the Supreme Guide. Each fight that brings her closer to the final then becomes a fight for her life.
The American actresse Iranian-born Arienne Mandi delivers a breathtaking performance as Leila, ready to do anything for the medal and her freedom. Opposite her, Zar Amir Ebrahimi shines in the complex role of the coach, after receiving the Best Actress Award at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for The Nights of Mashhadand here takes her first steps as a director.
Iran-Israel conflict on screen
The scenario is based on facts that are more current than ever. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has not recognized the State of Israel and supports the Palestinian cause. The countries have been enemies for decades. In April 2024, deadly strikes by Iran and Israel, described by each as “retaliation”, have rekindled tensions. Since the assassination of the Hamas leader on July 31 in Tehran, which Iran attributes to Israel, a war is now threatening to break out.
Even miles away from the two states, during sports competitions, the Iranian regime has always worked to prevent any meeting between its athletes and the Israelis. A few days before the start of Paris 2024, Iran had thus demanded that Israel be banned from the Olympic Games, following the war with Hamas in Gaza.
The judoka of Tatami is just a fictional example of very real personal stories. “The story we have chosen to tell in this film is that of too many artists and athletes who have had to give up on their dreams, sometimes forced to abandon their country and their loved ones because of a conflict between a community and a government”explain Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir in their note of intent.
Iranian Women’s Revolution on the Tatami
Through sport and Leila’s determination, they also tell the bravery of thousands of people who stand up to their government. The short flashbacks, skillfully sprinkled throughout the film, are a window into today’s Iran. In a country repressed by the Mullahs’ regime, young people grant themselves rare moments of freedom, in secret, and at the risk of their lives. Through the character of Leila’s husband, Tatami also shows a generation of men who do not support the repression of women’s rights in their country.
The final fight, during which a difficult hold leaves Leila suffocating, takes the film in another direction: that of the women’s revolution in Iran, triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The sportswoman frees herself from the straitjacket in which the Islamic Republic confines not only sportsmen, but especially women.
The end of the film nevertheless carries a semblance of hope and is also part of this summer’s current events. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, among the 37 athletes on the refugee Olympic team, 14 were of Iranian origin. And in the Paralympic team currently competing in Paris, three of the eight refugee athletes also fled Iran. For them, as for the heroines of Tatamiresilience goes beyond the boundaries of sport.
Also see on Le HuffPost :
In Iran, rapper Toomaj Salehi sees his death sentence overturned by the Supreme Court
Rupert Murdoch and his family inheritance business have never been more reminiscent of the TV series “Succession”
