The death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, sent shockwaves through Iran. Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was allegedly beaten by the police after being arrested for not wearing the mandatory hijab. Her death became a catalyst for widespread protests across the country, with thousands taking to the streets to demand an end to the hijab rule and greater social freedoms, especially for women. The Iranian government’s brutal crackdown on the protests resulted in over 500 reported deaths and the detention of tens of thousands of individuals.
The news of Amini’s death also had a profound impact on the production of the film Tatami, which was being filmed in Tbilisi, Georgia, just over 200 miles from the Iranian border. Tatami, directed by Israeli Guy Nattiv and Iranian Zar Amir Ebrahimi, was already significant as the first-ever feature to be co-directed by individuals from Iran and Israel, two countries that have had a contentious relationship for decades. The film’s central story, about an Iranian female judo fighter competing against the Islamic Republic’s demands, resonated with the themes of persecution faced by Iranian women that were being voiced on the streets.
The news from Iran deeply affected the cast and crew of Tatami, many of whom were Iranian exiles now living around the world. The urgency to tell the story became paramount, particularly after shooting a powerful scene in which the lead character removes her hijab. Amini’s death turned the mandatory enforcement of the veil into a symbol of Iranian oppression, while its removal by Iranian women became a powerful statement of defiance in the protest movement.
For Nattiv, the production of Tatami became more than just shooting a film. Inspired by stories of Iranian athletes facing persecution and defection from their country, Nattiv wanted to collaborate with female Iranian voices to ensure the story was authentic and represented their experiences. This led him to Paris-based Iranian actress and screenwriter Elham Erfani, who co-wrote the script with him. Erfani’s involvement brought a unique perspective to the project, as she had experienced her own struggles with the Iranian regime and understood the risks involved in speaking out.
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Ebrahimi, who had been slowly working towards her feature debut as a director, saw Nattiv’s offer as a beautiful opportunity to collaborate on a film that would give a voice to female warriors. Despite the risks involved, she accepted the offer to co-direct and act in Tatami, recognizing the importance of telling this story and highlighting the challenges faced by exiled Iranian artists.
The collaboration between Nattiv and Ebrahimi marked a historic milestone as the first-ever Israeli-Iranian collaboration in filmmaking. The production of Tatami began in Tbilisi, Georgia, as it provided the necessary infrastructure for the film’s judo scenes and had architecture that could double as Iran. The project was kept under strict secrecy to avoid interference from the Iranian government, which had already condemned Ebrahimi’s previous film, Holy Spider.
Ebrahimi’s trip to Israel for the film’s editing process was also kept secret, as she had initially stated she would never travel to Israel. However, the logistical needs of the project required her presence, and she ultimately made the decision to go. Despite the risks involved, Ebrahimi’s trip highlighted the lengths these artists were willing to go to tell their story and create something meaningful.
The production of Tatami became a symbol of resistance and solidarity, with Iranian and Israeli artists coming together to shed light on the struggles faced by Iranian women and challenge the oppressive Iranian regime. The film’s significance was not fully realized until later, as Nattiv and Ebrahimi reflected on the groundbreaking nature of their collaboration.
Tatami represents a milestone in the film industry, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of collaboration in amplifying marginalized voices. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of artists who dare to challenge the status quo, even in the face of adversity.
