Making Israeli Film History: Oscar Winner Guy Nattiv on His New Film Tatami

The upcoming film “Tatami,” the first-ever collaboration between Iranian and Israeli filmmakers, shines a light on the intersection of sports, politics and personal sacrifice.

You can hear directly from the Israeli director, Oscar winner Guy Nattiv, in this exclusive JTA film conversation about making film history and what the movie means for our world today.

Inspired by true events, “Tatami” follows an Iranian judo athlete on the brink of victory at the world championships — until she’s ordered to withdraw rather than face an Israeli competitor in the finals. Facing a life-or-death decision, she risks everything, putting the lives of herself, her coach (played by co-director and Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir-Ebrahimi) and her family in danger. The film captures the raw intensity of elite competition, the sacrifices athletes make and the brutal reality of political interference in sports around the world.

“Tatami” premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival and has earned multiple accolades, including Best Actress & a Special Jury Award at the Tokyo Film Festival and Best Film at the Munich Film Festival. It hits U.S. theaters this month from XYZ Films and Flawless Entertainment, starting with a New York rollout on June 13 and a Los Angeles debut the following weekend.

Watch the trailer and find showtimes at www.tatamimovie.com.

This event does not include a film screening. It will be recorded and sent to all registrants.

About the speaker: Israeli director Guy Nattiv, best known for his Oscar-winning short film “Skin”, has built a career on bold, socially relevant storytelling. His latest film “Golda”, starring Helen Mirren as Golda Meir, was released in 2023.