Tatami

TIFF.23 - Game On

Section: Game On
Title: Tatami
Director: Zar Amir, Guy Nattiv
Cast: Arienne Mandi, Jaime Ray Newman, Zar Amir, Lir Katz, Nadine Marshall
Duration: 1h 43m
Country: Georgia
Year: 2023

Iranian female judoka Leila and her coach Maryam travel to the Judo World Championship, intent on bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. Midway through the event, they receive an ultimatum from the Islamic Republic ordering Leila to fake an injury and lose, or she will be branded a traitor of the state. With her own and her family’s freedom at stake, Leila is faced with an impossible choice: comply with the Iranian regime as her coach Maryam implores her to do, or fight on for the only thing she wishes for, the gold medal.