TATAMI is the best film I’ve seen so far this year. Co-directed by Israeli Oscar winner Guy Nattiv and Iranian dissident filmmaker Zar Amir Ebrahimi, it’s the story of an Iranian judo champion played with blistering physicality by Arienne Mandi. As it becomes clear she will face off with an Israeli opponent, her government reaches out and tells her to withdraw from the competition. It’s a searing, gripping portrayal of someone pushed to her limits. It’s Rocky plus a geopolitical thriller. I got a chance to meet the filmmakers and the star Arienne Mandi backstage, who also starred in the L Word reboot. I asked if she plans to keep practicing judo after the film. She said she’s more interested in jiu jitsu! Also props to the moderator last night, Annette Insdorf who asked some great, thoroughly researched questions. The film is sensational. I can’t say enough good things about it. And I’ve never seen an Israeli and an Iranian make a film together before. Go see TATAMI!!!