Zar Amir-Ebrahimi to Reuters: The Iranian-Israeli Film 'Tatami' Was Filmed Secretly

Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, a prominent Iranian actress, and Guy Nattiv, an Israeli filmmaker, directors of the film 'Tatami', told Reuters on Sunday that their first joint production had to be filmed secretly to prevent possible interference from Tehran. The story of the film 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 one of the favorites for a gold medal, receives an order from Tehran stating that she must not compete against an Israeli rival. The athlete must falsely inform the officials of the World Federation that she is injured to avoid facing the Israeli champion; a decision that could change the course of her life. Amir-Ebrahimi and Nattiv filmed the movie in Georgia, a country that Iranians can easily travel to. They stayed in separate hotels, spoke English, and ensured that no one realized they were making such a political film. Amir-Ebrahimi stated, 'We knew there were many Iranians there, so we tried to keep it under wraps.' Nattiv also said, 'We worked secretly. We knew it was dangerous.' Amir-Ebrahimi, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 for 'Holy Spider', fled Iran in 2008 out of fear of imprisonment and flogging after her private life was exposed. She mentioned that before accepting Nattiv's offer to make 'Tatami', she needed time to consider the possible consequences. She said, 'What I have learned about the Iranian government is that as long as you are afraid of being arrested, they can kill you, they can get you into trouble. But as long as you are not afraid... you are fine.' Nattiv described the film, which is shot in black and white, saying, 'Women in Iran live in a black-and-white world. There is no color. They live in a closed environment, and all they want is to break it. They want freedom.' Amir-Ebrahimi noted that children growing up in Iran are taught to fear Israel as a fierce enemy. Nattiv stated that the same applies in his homeland, where Iran is portrayed as an existential threat. Nattiv revealed that he helped Amir-Ebrahimi visit Israel secretly, something that is absolutely forbidden for its citizens by Tehran. Amir-Ebrahimi expressed, 'I would have liked it. We could have been from one nation, one family; we are the same.' The presence of filmmakers in a flash mob at the Venice Festival to support the people of Iran, the screening of 'Tatami' at the Venice Festival directed by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi and Israeli Guy Nattiv, and the Venice Film Festival's declaration of solidarity with the people of Iran in support of Saeed Roustayi were also highlighted. Australia sent 'Shida' with 'Nora Niasari and Zar Amir-Ebrahimi' to the Oscars. 'Autumn of Shida' confronts the wounds hidden within an old photo album.