Screening of the Film 'Tatami' at the Venice Festival Directed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Israeli Guy Nattiv

The film 'Tatami', co-directed by renowned Iranian actress Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv, was screened in the Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival. This is the first time that Iranian and Israeli artists have collaborated as directors on a feature film project. They wrote the screenplay inspired by mystical themes. The story revolves around an Iranian female judoka named Leila, played by Aryan Mandi, who, along with her coach Maryam, portrayed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, heads to the World Championships. Leila, considered a strong contender for the gold medal, receives an order from Tehran not to compete against her Israeli rival. This athlete must falsely inform the World Federation officials that she is injured to avoid facing the Israeli champion; a decision that could change the course of her life. The cast of 'Tatami' includes Jimi Ray Newman, Nadine Marshall, and Mehdi Bajestani. According to 'Variety', Zar Amir-Ebrahimi noted that after the film 'Holy Spider', she was repeatedly accused of 'collaborating with Jews', stating that Iranians are not even allowed to refer to someone as Israeli, as this country is always seen as an 'occupying regime' by the Islamic Republic. The production of this film project was conducted secretly due to security concerns, and the producers did not provide any information to the media. Guy Nattiv mentioned that filming took place in various locations in Tbilisi, Georgia, a city very close to Iran. He emphasized the adherence to security protocols, adding that crew members stayed in different hotels to avoid drawing attention. Nattiv stated, 'In school, we were told that Iran is the enemy, the devil itself. They wanted us to be afraid. Zar didn't know me, and it took a while for her to trust me, but at one moment we looked at each other and said, we are similar people.' Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, with her brilliant performance in 'Holy Spider' directed by Ali Abbasi, received the Best Actress award at the Cannes Festival. Another film featuring her titled 'Shida', directed by Noura Niasari, has received significant acclaim at film festivals. Zar Amir-Ebrahimi has been interested in directing for some time and is working on an independent project titled 'Honor of Persia'. Regarding the co-direction of 'Tatami', she stated, 'This was a collaborative effort and a good experience for me to make my own film in the future. I know this is a historic project, but Guy and I had many ideas that we shared with each other.' According to Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, they initially thought they would face difficulties in casting due to the film's storyline, but surprisingly, all artists accepted the risky collaboration. She added that 'like the Iranian women's revolution, courage can be contagious.' Guy Nattiv added, 'We decided to do exactly what the government and regime prohibit us from doing. I hope this encourages people from other hostile countries to collaborate with each other, not just when making films.' 'Tatami' is inspired by the real-life experiences of Iranian athletes who, due to the Islamic Republic's anti-Israeli policies, have been forced to withdraw from competing against Israeli athletes over the decades. Zar Amir-Ebrahimi stated that many of these athletes rebelled against such policies because it makes no sense to suddenly have to withdraw after years of training and effort. She emphasizes that 'Tatami' reflects the powerful message of these Iranian athletes. According to this filmmaker, the lives of millions are under the control of the Islamic regime of Iran; people who are of no importance to the government and are merely considered tools. On the day of 'Tatami's' screening at the Venice Film Festival, a special program in solidarity with Iranian women and men will be held on the red carpet. This 'flash mob' also protests the judicial sentences against filmmakers like Saeed Roustayi. This article is based on a report by Variety. Solidarity with the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement at the Venice Festival; Somayeh Haqnegahdar: The struggle of the Iranian people continues. Australia sent 'Shida' with Noura Niasari and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi to the Oscars. The Venice Film Festival expresses its solidarity with Saeed Roustayi and the Iranian people. A panel on censorship and the challenges of independent cinema in Iran was held with the presence of Iranian filmmakers at the Cannes Festival. Zahra Amir-Ebrahimi received an award at the Cannes Festival; Cate Blanchett supported Iranian women. 'Holy Spider'; Russia halted the screening of the Iranian film. The film 'Lolita Reading in Tehran' was featured at the Cannes market; Golshifteh Farahani and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi co-star. Dozens of prominent filmmakers at the Berlin Film Festival supported Iranian protesters. Co-direction by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and an Israeli filmmaker; a film about an Iranian judoka. Success for Iranian filmmakers at the Sundance Festival; 'Iranian Version' and 'Shida' won awards. Ali Abbasi told Voice of America: The aim of the attack on 'Holy Spider' is to divert public attention from Iran's problems.