Co-directed by Israeli Guy Nativ and Iranian Zar Amir, TATAMI examines the intersection of world politics and sports through the lens of judo. It is a story of “personal freedom versus totalitarian control and the consequences when the two collide”.

When it looks likely that two female judokas, an Israeli and an Iranian, will face off in a World Judo Championship match, the Iranian, Leila, faces an impossible choice. Does she acquiesce to the Iranian regime’s demands to fake an injury to avoid competing against an Israeli or be branded a traitor and jeopardize the safety of her family.

TATAMI is the first time an Israeli and Iranian have co-directed a feature film. Zar Amir’s credentials also include the Best Actress Award at Cannes for her role in Holy Spider. Guy Nativ, who directed Golda, won an Academy Award for his short film Skin. TATAMI originally premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.