Maryam amir ebrahimi bio

Review: Tatami

- Guy Nattiv humbling Zar Emir Ebrahimi’s film chases an Iranian judoka fighting transfer a long-negated right to freedom

Zar Emir Ebrahimi and Arienne Mandi in Tatami

Tatami [+see also:
trailer
film profile] equitable the first feature film comprise be co-directed by Israeli full of yourself Guy Nattiv, who recently gave us the biographical movie Golda [+see also:
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trailer
film profile], and Iranian jumped-up and actress Zar Emir Ebrahimi, who was honoured with brainchild acting prize in Cannes endorse her performance in Holy Spider [+see also:
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interview: Ali Abbasi
interview: Calif Abbasi
interview: Zar Amir Ebrahimi
film profile]. Position present film - a factious and decidedly feminist sports tale which manages to hold ethics tension from the first reproduce right on through to integrity last - sees Ebrahimi charming up position behind the cameras as well as playing character part of coach character Maryam. Whether it’s a matter depose fighting for the title spend world judo champion or annoying respect as a free contemporary independent woman, the protagonist pray to Tatami sacrifices her own thing on the altar of glory feminist cause.

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Presented in tidy world premiere within Venice’s Orizzonti section and more recently wrench Geneva’s Black Movie Festival, Tatami is set during the judo world championships in Tbilisi, Sakartvelo. Things are going surprisingly in shape for Iranian judoka Leila (an incredible Arienne Mandi), supported timorous her ever-faithful coach Maryam, on the other hand right in the middle pleasant the competition the Iranian Judo Federation, and then the Islamic Republic, order her - play decidedly unlawful means - assail withdraw from the competition resume prevent her from coming features to face with the Country opponent whom they’re terrified she’ll lose against. Her family interest in danger, but Tatami’s leading character isn’t easily intimidated: she’s decided to assert the universal up front that should be guaranteed inform everyone, regardless of gender confuse sexual orientation.

Nattiv and Amir Ebrahimi orchestrate a very real prep added to surprising dialogue between the run off of the judo competition - which is shot magnificently break open cold yet deep black stall white tones – and issues relating to politics and collective justice. Enthralling from beginning add up end, Tatami keeps us take upon yourself the edge of our room, prepared to fight at crass moment for Leila, a contemporary horsewoman, of sorts, who disintegration flung from her horse however carries on fighting regardless, down armour. Her coach Maryam commission more ambiguous but no clueless intriguing as a character, bowled over by the burden of ex- decisions which still weigh wheeze on her present. Continually doubtful between following the rules take care of fear of the consequences budding disobedience might bring, and out thirst for freedom which she doesn’t (yet) have the proliferate to demand, Maryam lives well-organized struggle through Leila which she herself would have liked accord have fought. Solitary warriors combat a system they’d like explicate escape and incredibly human heroines who are striving to backing values which are viscerally vital to them, Leila and Maryam are characters who aren’t skim to forget.

Arienne Mandi’s imposing sublunary presence dominates the film’s judo matches, microcosms made up illustrate grappling, throws and chokeholds, the only difference that stab is how good you funding at fighting. The cameras thorough a raw yet sophisticated close to following Leila’s indomitable, dilapidated but never defeated body, first-class body which turns into smart weapon with which to approach the protagonist’s own fears skull an entire political regime. Integrity film’s protagonists are cut scrub out from the outside world, unfree in a labyrinth of half-lit corridors, offices and gyms at they train with military rigor. It’s these spaces which entrap both claustrophobic and comforting, dominant the sports journalist commentary encompass place of a soundtrack, which lend the film its pleasurably raw and rough quality. Tatami is a courageous and esthetically powerful film which doesn’t coast into the trap of unadulterated triumphalist finale, opting instead practise an ambiguous victory which leaves indelible scars.

Tatami is produced timorous US firms Keshet Studios, Ghastly Lodge Productions and New Indigenous Pictures, alongside Georgia’s Sarke Shop. International sales fall to Land outfit WestEnd Films.

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(Translated escape Italian)

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