Tatami

The film tells the gripping story of Leila (Arienne Mandi), an Iranian female judoka, and her coach Maryam (Zar Amir Ebrahimi). They travel to the World Judo Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia, with the ambitious goal of bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. However, the path to victory is fraught with peril, especially considering the possibility of competing against an Israeli athlete, which is strictly prohibited by the Mullah regime.

As they navigate the intense pressures of the competition, Leila and Maryam receive alarming threats from the Islamic Republic demanding that Leila fake an injury and withdraw from the tournament. Faced with not only her own freedom but also the safety of her family, Leila must make a heart-wrenching decision: should she submit to the regime’s demands and comply, as Maryam struggles to convince her to do, or should she take a stand, defy the oppressive forces at play, and fight for her dream of gold?

Despite Maryam’s pleas for her to withdraw, Leila’s resolve to compete remains unbroken. This tension escalates into a confrontation that catches the attention of the World Judo Association officials. In a moment of frustration and despair, Leila bangs her head against a bathroom mirror, resulting in a visible gash on her forehead, a symbol of her internal struggle and turmoil.

Throughout the competition, the consequences of her determination become increasingly dire. Iranian authorities retaliate against her family, making attempts to arrest her husband and using threats to coerce her father into urging her to withdraw from the tournament via a video message. Even when World Judo Association officials step in to interview Leila regarding the threats she’s facing, she finds herself at a loss, unable to think of effective ways for them to assist her.

Leila ultimately experiences defeat in a match against a Georgian judoka. The aftermath is chaotic, as officials from the Iranian delegation try to force Maryam into a car for a return to Iran. In a courageous move, Maryam escapes and makes a run for her freedom. In a dramatic turn of events, Leila, her family, and Maryam manage to secure asylum in France, marking a significant chapter in their fight against oppression and their pursuit of a brighter future.

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03