Success of the film 'Tatami' at the Tokyo Festival; Zar Amir-Ebrahimi also won an award

The film 'Tatami', co-directed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv, won two main awards at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. According to 'The Times of Israel', 'Tatami' received the award for second best film or the special jury prize, and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi was selected as the best actress of the festival. These awards were presented on Wednesday, November 1, by Wim Wenders, the head of the jury, Spanish director Albert Serra, and Chinese actor Zhao Tao to Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv. Guy Nattiv, born in Israel and currently living in the United States, stated that these awards brought 'a little light' in the current dark situation in Israel, following the Hamas massacre on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 240 individuals of various ages, leading to the start of Israel's war to destroy Hamas in Gaza. He added, 'In a situation where everything is burning and painful in this darkness, we received news from Tokyo that brought a bit of light for us, the Jews, and Iranian exiles.' Guy Nattiv also expressed gratitude to Wim Wenders and the festival jury for distinguishing their small film amid global chaos, a film that speaks of the struggle for humanity, freedom, and equality, paying tribute to millions of people, especially women who fight for freedom every day. 'Tatami' has had a successful presence at international film festivals in recent months, including Venice. This is the first time that Iranian and Israeli artists have collaborated in directing a feature film project. The story of the film revolves around an Iranian female judoka named Leila, played by Arian Mandi, who, along with her coach Maryam, portrayed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, heads to the World Championships. Leila, considered one of the favorites for the gold medal, receives an order from Tehran not to compete against an Israeli rival. This athlete must falsely inform the officials of the International Federation that she is injured to avoid facing the Israeli champion; a decision that could change the course of her life. 'Tatami' is inspired by the real-life stories of Iranian athletes who have been forced to withdraw from competing against Israeli athletes due to the Islamic Republic's anti-Israeli policies over the past decades. 'Tatami' was filmed last fall in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which is very close to Iran. The production of this film project was carried out secretly due to security concerns, and the producers did not provide any information to the news media. At the 36th Tokyo Film Festival, Yasna Mirtahmasb received the Best Actor award for her performance in the Iranian film 'Roxana'. Source: The Times of Israel. The film 'Tatami' by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv is on the preliminary list for the European Academy Awards. Zar Amir-Ebrahimi told Reuters: 'The Iranian-Israeli film 'Tatami' was filmed secretly.' The cast of 'Tatami' was showcased at the Venice Festival, directed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Israeli Guy Nattiv. Sweden submitted the film 'Enemy', starring Peyman Maadi, for the Oscars. Australia submitted 'Shida' with 'Nora Niasari and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi' for the Oscars. An award was presented to Zahra Amir-Ebrahimi at the Cannes Festival; Cate Blanchett supported Iranian women. The film 'Lolita Reading in Tehran' was featured in the Cannes market; Golshifteh Farahani and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi co-star.