Premiering to critical acclaim at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Freedom of Expression Award, Tatami is notable for being the first film ever co-directed by an Israeli and an Iranian filmmaker. 

Filmed during the protests in Iran in 2022, Tatami resonates as both a thrilling sports drama and a searing political statement on the resilience and bravery of Iranian women seeking self-determination. Set during one intense day at a World Championship event in Tbilisi, Georgia (where it was secretly filmed), the film follows rising Iranian judo fighter Leila and her coach Maryam, who travel to the championship intent on bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. Just as Leila is nearing victory, a chilling ultimatum arrives from the Islamic Republic declaring she must fake an injury and lose to avoid facing an Israeli opponent, or be branded a traitor to her country. With her freedom—and her family’s safety—on the line, Leila confronts an agonizing choice: follow her government’s orders, or fight for her dream. 

….”a bitter fight both on and off the mat….an absorbing political thriller”….NY Times