An Iranian judo champ weighs her principles and ambitions against the safety of her family and herself as government forces threaten violence unless she tows the party line, in this riveting political-sports-thriller.
Tatami, co-directed by Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv, is a powerful and visually striking film that delves into the intense personal and political struggles of Iranian female judoka Leila, played by Arienne Mandi. The film, set against the backdrop of the World Judo Championships, offers much more than a typical sports narrative; it explores themes of defiance, courage, and the high cost of standing up to oppression. With its raw emotion, dynamic pacing, and bold storytelling, Tatami is a film that resonates deeply with viewers, staying with them long after the credits roll.
The story follows Leila and her coach Maryam, portrayed by Zar Amir Ebrahimi, as they journey to the World Judo Championships with the shared goal of bringing home Iran's first-ever gold medal. Leila, a skilled and determined judoka, is fully focused on her sport, despite the challenges she faces as an athlete from a country with strict ideological rules. One of those rules is a prohibition against competing against Israeli athletes, a potential encounter that looms over Leila’s participation in the tournament.
Midway through the competition, Leila and Maryam receive increasingly ominous threats from the Iranian regime, ordering Leila to fake an injury and withdraw from the tournament to avoid any possible match against an Israeli competitor. This sets up a tense moral dilemma for Leila: Should she comply with the demands of her government, protecting herself and her family from possible harm? Or should she continue to fight, risking everything for a chance at victory and, perhaps more importantly, for her own sense of freedom and agency?
The premise of Tatami echoes real-life events from 2019 when Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei refused to withdraw from the World Judo Championships despite similar pressures from his government. Mollaei’s defiance led him to seek asylum in Germany, and Iran was subsequently banned from future judo competitions by the International Judo Federation. In Tatami, this real-world political conflict is transformed into a gender-bent fictional narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the struggles faced by Iranian athletes under a repressive regime.
The film’s black-and-white cinematography, helmed by Todd Martin, lends a stark and haunting visual quality to the story. This monochrome palette, paired with long, steady cam shots that follow the protagonists through the winding corridors of the competition venue, creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension that mirrors the oppressive atmosphere in which the characters find themselves. The choice to shoot in black and white also serves to highlight the contrast between light and dark, good and evil, as Leila navigates the complex moral landscape of her situation.
At the same time, the film’s fast-paced editing during the judo matches effectively captures the intensity of the sport. Close-up shots of Leila’s fierce focus, intercut with dynamic movements on the mat, draw the viewer into the action, making them feel every struggle and every victory alongside her. The matches themselves are not just physical confrontations but also symbolic battles against the oppressive forces seeking to control her.
One of Tatami's greatest strengths is its ability to convey the psychological pressure that athletes face, particularly in high-stakes competitions. Much of the film is devoted to exploring how athletes prepare mentally for their matches, and in Leila’s case, how the external threats she faces from her government undermine her ability to stay focused. The stakes in this film are not just about winning a medal; they are about survival and self-determination. Leila must fight not only her opponents on the mat but also her own fears, her coach's increasingly desperate pleas, and the regime's ever-present threats.
Zar Amir Ebrahimi's portrayal of Maryam adds another layer of complexity to the film. As Leila’s coach, Maryam is caught between her loyalty to her athlete and her own precarious situation. She knows that her livelihood is at risk if she cannot control Leila and that her ailing mother’s well-being depends on her compliance with the regime's demands. Maryam's internal struggle is one of the film's most compelling elements, as she hovers between the roles of victim and enforcer, embodying the grey areas that exist within a system of oppression.
Although Tatami is clearly a film about good versus evil, Maryam’s character brings nuance to this dichotomy. While Leila is portrayed as a strong-willed and defiant protagonist, Maryam is more complex, torn between her fear of the regime and her genuine care for Leila. As the film progresses, the audience comes to understand and empathise with Maryam’s difficult position, even as her actions sometimes align with the oppressive forces at play. This moral complexity adds depth to the story, making it more than just a straightforward tale of rebellion.
One area where Tatami departs from expectations is in its depiction of the larger political context. While the film is undeniably political in its portrayal of the Iranian regime's control over its athletes, it does not delve deeply into the broader geopolitical implications of the Israeli-Iranian conflict. Leila and Maryam’s motivations are portrayed as primarily personal, rather than ideological, which may leave some viewers wanting more exploration of the characters' political awareness. However, this focus on the personal over the political serves to humanise the characters, making their struggles feel more relatable and immediate.
Despite this, Tatami effectively captures the frustration and oppression that Iranian athletes face, constantly intimidated by a regime that dictates their every move. The film's depiction of Leila's internal conflict feels both genuine and heartbreaking; torn between her love for her family and her desire to uphold her own values. The audience feels the weight of the pressure on Leila, as well as the fear and anger towards the regime's agents who threaten her and her loved ones.
The film builds to a powerful crescendo as Leila gets closer to the final round of the tournament. The pressure-cooker atmosphere intensifies, with government thugs and her own teammates tightening their grip around her as she fights her way through each match. The dynamic editing keeps the tension high, cutting between multiple viewpoints and creating a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward.
Tatami is a film about resistance, sacrifice, and the cost of standing up to coercion. It portrays the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, illustrating how one person's defiance can challenge an entire system of control. With its striking visual style, intense storytelling, and complex character dynamics, Tatami stands out as a compelling sports drama that goes beyond the typical genre conventions. It is a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Tatami is one of 105 films screening as part of the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF)
The full programme of 2024 films is outlined here.
Tickets can be booked online at www.nziff.co.nz