Co-directed by Guy Nattiv (Academy Award-winner for Skin) and Zar Amir (Cannes Film Festival Best Actress-Winner for Holy Spider), Tatami follows Iranian female judoka Leila (Arienne Mandi) and her coach Maryam (Zar Amir), who travel to the World Judo Championships, intent on bringing home Iran's first gold medal. But when she's scheduled to face an Israeli opponent, Iranian government agents threaten to harm her family if she doesn't fake an injury or withdraw.

Inspired by the real experiences of Iranian athletes who were forced to abandon their dreams and sometimes leave their homes and loved ones, Tatami explores their impossible choice: acquiesce to the regime and forfeit the match or compete despite the risks. With stunning black-and-white cinematography, Tatami is the first feature film to be co-directed by an Iranian and an Israeli filmmaker.

D: Guy Nattiv and Zar Amiri, Iran/Israel, in English/Persian with English subtitles, 2025, 1h45m

Programmed in collaboration with the New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival, the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire and Prof. Anaiis Cisco's class on "Sport Films" in the Department of Film and Media Studies