A new political thriller explores an Iranian judoka’s fight for gold and freedom : NPR
A new political thriller explores an Iranian judoka’s fight for gold and freedom : NPR The new film 'Tatami' reveals an Iranian judoka's fight beyond the mat June 27, 20255:00 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition By Michel Martin , Iman Maani Listen· 7:267-Minute ListenPlaylist Transcript Toggle more options Arienne Mandi plays Iranian judoka Leila Hosseini in the new film Tatami, co-directed by Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir.XYZ Films/Flawless What happens when the pressure to compete is not just about winning, but about survival? In the new political thriller Tatami, that question plays out through the story of Leila Hosseini, an Iranian judoka competing at the World Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. When she's scheduled to face an Israeli opponent, Iranian government agents order her to fake an injury and withdraw. They threaten to harm her family if she refuses, and her own safety appears at risk. Inspired by the real experiences of Iranian athletes who were forced to aban...