"TATAMI" A soul seeking freedom and dignity sparks in monochrome

Index

• Conflict depicted in monochrome
• Comply with pressure or resist it?
• Numerous elements that shaped the main character, Layla
• Co-director and actress Zahra Amir are the unwavering pillars
• What the title "TATAMI" symbolizes

Conflict depicted in monochrome

While the world is filled with information-filled films, what this film "TATAMI" (23) depicts is simple and ultimate. Above all, the technique of stripping away color and conveying everything through a vision dominated by black and white is astounding. It is precisely because of the monochrome that it is possible to depict several judo match scenes with full force, making the match venue emerge as a "limited space" like a psychological labyrinth.

Don't let the title "TATAMI" fool you into thinking it's a bizarre film about Japanese culture directed by a foreign director. This is the story of an Iranian female judo player who is pressured by her own government during a tournament and struggles with the decision of "should I participate or not?"

If they wanted to emphasize that the subject is judo, they might have been better off calling it "JUDO." However, as you watch the film, you realize that the meaning lies not in the sport itself, but rather in "the place where the athletes stand."

“TATAMI” © 2023 JUDO PRODUCTION LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Comply with pressure or resist it?

The story is set in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, where the World Judo Championships are being held. Leyla (Arienne Mandy), an active Iranian female judo player, enters the venue with her coach Maryam (Zahra Amir), a former athlete with a brilliant track record, and together they overcome each match.

Just then, a phone call from his country's judo federation changes his fate. The federation's argument is that if he continues to win, he will end up competing against an athlete from Israel, an enemy country. This situation must be avoided at all costs. Therefore, he must withdraw from the match due to injury. This is an order from the government, they say. When Leila tries to resist their demands, their tone gets increasingly forceful. In the end, they urge him to withdraw, citing the safety of his family, who are detained in the country...

Numerous elements that shaped the main character, Layla