Tatami | Somerville - Lotterywest Films

An Iranian judo champ weighs her principles and ambitions against the safety of her family and herself in this riveting political sports thriller.

Tatami is a rousing depiction of the interplay of international sports and politics. It is a beautiful story of human-animal friendship told without excessive sentimentality.

Leila is a committed, ambitious judoka ready to win gold for her country at the World Judo championships. She’s supported by her experienced coach, Maryam, who years before was similarly on the verge of victory. As Leila competes and edges closer to the final, she is shocked to receive an ultimatum from the Iranian government forbidding her to fight.

Shot over the course of a day's action, this tightly woven drama puts you ringside as Leila defends her right to participate. As Leila, Maryam and their loved ones are put under increasing pressure to make Leila comply, the would-be champion is forced to make an impossible choice.

Directors: Guy Nattiv, Zar Amir Ebrahimi

Screenwriters Guy Nattiv, Zar Amir Ebrahimi

Cinematographer: Todd Martin

Cast: Arienne Mandi, Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Jaime Ray Newman, Ash Goldeh

Composer: Dascha Dauenhauer

Editor: Yuval Orr