News Summary
San Diego will host the debut of ‘Tatami,’ a film co-directed by Israeli-Iranian directors Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi. The film addresses the struggles of athletes under political pressure, highlighted by the story of an Iranian judo player facing government threats. Premiering at the Media Arts Center, it coincides with current Israel-Iran tensions, aiming to foster discussions on friendship and collaboration beyond politics. Ticket prices are set at $13, offering discounts for students and seniors.
San Diego is set to host the debut of the film Tatami, co-directed by Israeli-Iranian filmmakers Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi, from this Friday through July 3 at the Media Arts Center. The film has gained attention due to its release coinciding with rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Tatami originally premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2023 and brings to light the personal struggles faced by athletes in politically charged environments.
The story revolves around Iranian judo athlete Leila, who is caught in a life-altering dilemma when her government pressures her to withdraw from the world championships to avoid competing against an Israeli opponent. This unfolds against a backdrop of potential threats to her coach and family, emphasizing themes of freedom, dignity, and the personal costs associated with high-stakes political decisions.
The timing of Tatami is particularly significant, as it arrives soon after the recent conflict and ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Glenn Heath Jr., the artistic director and film curator at the Media Arts Center, pointed out that the film resonates deeply with current events, which adds layers of meaning to its screening.
One of the driving forces behind the creation of Tatami was the real-life experience of Iranian athlete Saeid Mollaei, who was compelled to forfeit matches at the Tokyo 2019 World Championships to avoid facing an Israeli competitor. Nattiv expressed the importance of including an Iranian co-writer for authenticity, which led him to collaborate with Ebrahimi. Their partnership has resulted in a work that aims to provide a humanizing perspective on issues that often polarize nations.
Throughout the filmmaking process, Nattiv and Ebrahimi developed a close friendship that illustrates the potential for connection beyond governmental or political divides. Both directors emphasized that at its core, Tatami does not solely focus on the geopolitical narrative but rather conveys the individual experiences of athletes pressured by their governments. Judo was specifically chosen for its emphasis on respect and the philosophy that competitors are not enemies, furthering the film’s exploration of unity versus division.
The film highlights the pressures athletes face when political climate forces them to make hard choices, effectively showcasing the individual financial, emotional, and psychological costs resulting from such political decisions instigated by global powers. Beyond entertainment, the Media Arts Center aims to educate its audience about these complex issues, using film as a medium for understanding and empathy.
Tatami will be shown at the Digital Gym Cinema in UCSD Park & Market, located in East Village, with ticket prices set at $13. Discounts are available for students and seniors at $11, and $9 for members. This screening represents a momentous occasion as Tatami stands out as the first collaborative effort between Israeli and Iranian filmmakers, pushing the boundaries of cultural storytelling amidst ongoing political strife.
The film not only tells the story of Leila but seeks to prompt discussions about friendship and collaboration across borders, suggesting that artistic expression can serve as a bridge in healing national divisions. With its San Diego debut, Tatami invites audiences to reflect on the intersections of sports, politics, and individual agency in a world where such themes are ever-relevant.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Israeli-Iranian Film Tatami Make San Diego Debut
- Wikipedia: Tatami (film)
- San Diego Reader: Now Playing Tatami 2023
- Google Search: Tatami film
- Solzy at the Movies: Tatami, Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tatami
- Asian Movie Pulse: Film Review Tatami 2023
- Google News: Tatami film
