Italy, where debate is currently raging over violence against women, is marking International Women’s Day by becoming the first country to theatrically screen “Tatami,” a women’s empowerment thriller about an Iranian judo fighter that has created a sensation in Venice and marks the first collaboration by Iranian filmmakers. And the Israelis.
Italy’s BIM Distribuzione is showing “Tatami” — co-directed by Iranian actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi (“Holy Spider”) and Israeli director Guy Nattiv — in 90 domestic cinema screens on Friday as a special International Women’s Day preview at a discounted price of €3.50. ($3.80) ticket price. The film will be officially released domestically on April 4.
“Tatami” reconstructs the story of a young judoka named Laila, played by Arien Mandi, who Iranian authorities wanted to force her to withdraw from the competition to prevent her from competing against an Israeli athlete.
In an interview with diverse, Ebrahimi, who also plays the lead, said portraying the characters’ desperate plight on and off the carpet had a negative impact on her and Mandy.
“It was intense,” she said. “But for women in Iran, this is our life: every day is a battle.”
According to a new United Nations report released on Friday, Iran is responsible for the “physical violence” that led to the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 and sparked nationwide protests against the country’s mandatory hijab. The report also notes that in the ensuing Iranian uprising, female protesters were specifically targeted, and that crimes against humanity committed by Iranian authorities against protesters include “murder; imprisonment; torture; rape and other forms of sexual violence; persecution; enforced disappearance and other forms of violence.” Inhuman acts.” The report states that these crimes were committed “as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population, in particular women and girls and other persons expressing support for human rights.”
In Italy, the murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchetin late last year, at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, sparked widespread anger across the country, where on average one woman is killed every three days, according to a report issued by the organization Amnesty International. European Institute for Gender Equality. Another report released by the Italian Interior Ministry on Thursday said that in 2023, 120 women would be murdered in Italy, more than half of whom were killed by their partners or ex-partners.
In a clear sign that gender-based violence is already resonating with Italian audiences, International Women’s Day also sees a local rerun on more than 200 screens of There’s Still Tomorrow, the drama about the plight of an abused housewife in… Post-war period. Roma is the directorial debut of famous Italian actress Paola Cortellisi. “There’s Still Tomorrow,” which was first released in October 2023, has grossed more than $36 million via Vision Distribution, finishing at No. 1 in the country last year, beating out “Barbie.”
Interestingly, apart from some thematic connections, both “Tatami” and “There’s Still Tomorrow” share the fact that they were shot in black and white – an aspect that informed the directors of “Tatami”. diverse It reflects the current reality of Iranian women.
“Maybe one day, their lives will be colorful again,” Ebrahimi said.
Watch a clip of “Tatami” below.
Marta Balaga contributed to this report.