Cinema loves the ring, the physical clash, the areas of struggle that lead to redemption. It is no coincidence that the most represented sport on the big screen is boxing. The tatami is the thin mat on which judo matches are played, and is the title of the film by Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi. It tells of the Iranian judoka Leila and her coach Maryam, played by the co-director. Together they are at the World Championships and could achieve an important result. But one day they receive a phone call from the Islamic Republic, telling them to retreat: they might have to face the Israeli champion. Politics mixes with combat, sweat, rebirth.
Tatami – A woman fighting for freedom it is a female portrait of great strength, it is the chronicle of a young woman on fire, full of ambition, who does not want to lower her head in front of those who oppress her. Tight, vital, in its black and white it contains the end of a dream, the twilight of an era and the desire to write new rules, finally equal for everyone. Presented in 2023 at the Venice Film Festival in the Horizons section, it was a surprise. At times enthralling, it is an adventure of sweat and courage that gives hope for a brighter tomorrow.
