‘We are not our governments’ – Israeli-Iranian film ‘Tatami’ makes San Diego debut
Tatami will premiere at the San Diego Media Arts Center Digital Gym Cinema on Friday Photo courtesy of Ethan van Thillo 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 the film follows Iranian Judo athlete Leila who is put in political danger after her cabinet 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 circulated 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 disclosed that although the film was scheduled for screening months in advance new 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 mentioned 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 World Championships on behalf of Iran Mollaei was advised by the administration 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 governing body 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 explained Nattiv explained 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 announced 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 explained 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 way of life of respect No drawing blood no punches or kicks and opponents must bow to one another before and after a fight He explained 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 mentioned Tatami runs through July rd at the Media Arts Center s Digital Gym Cinema located in UCSD Park Region in the East Village Regular tickets are priced at with discounted rates of for students and seniors and for members
