Co-directed by Israeli-Iranian duo Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, the sports drama Tatami will make its San Diego debut at the Media Arts Center on Friday.
First premiering at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, the film follows Iranian Judo athlete Leila, who is put in political danger after her government orders her to withdraw from the world championships to avoid competing against an Israeli opponent in the finals.
Facing a life-or-decision that could endanger her, her coach and her family, she finds herself in a fight for freedom and dignity with everything on the line.
The movie was released in the U.S. this month, which happened to coincide with the real-time escalating war – and now ceasefire – between Israel and Iran.
Glenn Heath Jr., artistic director and film curator at the Media Arts Center, said that although the film was scheduled for screening months in advance, recent events have given it “added resonance.”
The center has a history of showing films that encourage an understanding of complex issues, according to Heath, aiming to “entertain and educate” audiences with features from around the world.
He said Tatami stood out to him as a martial arts film that focused on the morality of fighting when there are political stakes at play.
“We feel like the film really does showcase the individual cost of what these global powers are doing,” he added.
Co-director Nattiv described how he had the people behind these warring global powers in mind when making the movie.
He began writing during the pandemic, after stumbling upon the real-life story of Iranian judo athlete Saeid Mollaei.
Competing at the Tokyo 2019 World Championships on behalf of Iran, Mollaei was told by the government to throw his match in the semi-finals for fear that he would face an Israeli competitor in the finals.
His refusal to back down put him in a dangerous position back at home, with his friends and family threatened by the government.
Nattiv worried that the movie would not be authentic without the help of an Iranian screenwriter, so he invited Iranian-American producer Amir to co-direct after watching her feature Holy Spider.
“Lucky for me, she accepted, but it takes a lot of guts for somebody to collaborate with their so-called enemy,” Nattiv said.
Nattiv said that in the process of making the movie, he gained not only a co-director, but a sister, as the two became “like family.”
When the Israel-Iran conflict began, Nattiv said he made sure to call his mom, as well as Amir’s.
“It just goes to show you that we are not our governments,” Nattiv said. “It’s not about the political situation, it’s about two friends. That’s what we were trying to show the world.”
Although the film is based on a true story, Nattiv explained that the choice to focus on judo stemmed from the sport’s deep-rooted culture of respect.
No drawing blood, no punches or kicks, and opponents must bow to one another before and after a fight. He said that judo is popular with people in both countries for its creed: your opponent is not your enemy.
“I want to see all so-called enemies making a movie together, because it will be the greatest achievement for humanity,” Nattiv said.
Tatami runs through July 3rd at the Media Arts Center’s Digital Gym Cinema, located in UCSD Park & Market in the East Village.
Regular tickets are priced at $13, with discounted rates of $11 for students and seniors, and $9 for members.
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