Greetings again from the darkness. Given the turmoil around the globe, being the first film co-directed by an Iranian filmmaker and an Israeli filmmaker makes this one even more impressive … both on screen and behind it. The co-directors are Zar Amir Ebrahimi (who also stars) and Guy Nattiv (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Elham Erfani). Nattiv previously won an Oscar for his superb short film SKIN (2018).
Arienne Mandi (“The Night Agent”) delivers a powerhouse performance as Leila Hosseini. Leila is a competing for Iran in the WJA World Judo Championships. Her husband Nader (Ash Goldei) and their young son are cheering her on back home, along with a house full of friends and family. We first see Leila as she hops on the bike to drop .3 kg in 20 minutes in order to make her fighting class weight of 60 kg. After cruising through the first couple of rounds, Leila discloses to her coach Maryam (co-director Zar Amir Ebrahimi) that she has “a great feeling today.”
It doesn’t take long for her great feeling to turn sour. The Islamic Republic calls Maryam and orders Leila to fake an injury and withdraw to avoid the possibility of losing to an Israeli competitor in the finals. When Leila refuses, the threats to her family become real and danger awaits for anyone associated with Leila or Maryam. As any dedicated athlete can attest, the pursuit of excellence has nothing to do with politics … until it does. The story is inspired by a true story, and we see the extreme actions from all parties. It’s filled with tension and anyone who values freedom will be aghast.
Filmed in Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state), the writing and acting are top notch, even for those of us (yours truly) who know little of judo competitions. Tatami is the mat used for the competitions, and Leila certainly had multiple battles going on simultaneously. We feel her pain, both physical and emotional. Flashbacks are used sparingly to provide background, and it’s obvious why this film has been so frequently recognized and awarded on the festival circuit. The lesson, which never seems to be learned, is that political conflicts, even long-standing ones, can benefit so much from the humanity shown by individuals.
TATAMI opens nationwide on June 13, 2025
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. Empty Nest Syndrome is one thing I’ve never really understood. As parents, for eighteen years we work diligently to raise independent, morally strong and confident individuals who can contribute to society and stand on their own. When that time comes, it should be a celebration, not an episode of sadness and depression. For so many parents, it’s the latter. This first feature film from writer-director Antonio Sequeira takes on this topic by showing not just the changing family dynamics, but also the changes for the individuals.
Greetings again from the darkness. Although I don’t tend to seek out the majority of romantic comedies released each year, this film’s title and backstory were enough to pique some interest. Writer-director Laura Piani was inspired to write this story during her time working (and reading) at Shakespeare and Company, a favorite haunt of writers and readers (and me) while in Paris.
Greetings again from the darkness. London-based Indian artist Karan Kandhari chooses a misfit couple’s arranged marriage as the basis for his debut feature film. As writer and director, Kahdhari delivers a psychological comedy that goes a bit dark at times, yet the abundance of creativity and a terrific lead performance keep us anxious to see what happens next.
Greetings again from the darkness. As one who watches twenty-plus movies every month, it’s a bit of thrill when one offers something out of the ordinary – a unique viewing experience. Such is the case with this short film from writer-director Matteo Burani and co-writer Gianmarco Valentino. Of course, we’ve all seen stop-motion animation and claymation films … just last year, WALLACE AND GROMIT: VENGEANCE SO FOWL was outstanding. But Burani’s film from Studio Croma is something altogether different (and likely influenced by the great David Cronenberg).
Greetings again from the darkness. There are a few actors who regularly take on roles that leave us hoping they are nothing like those characters in real life. Willem Dafoe comes to mind, but the president of that club would be Nicolas Cage. Over the last 18 years or so, no actor has more often regaled us with emotional and mental unraveling on screen. Keep in mind it’s been thirty years since he won his Oscar for LEAVING LAS VEGAS.
Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t typically look to South Korea for animated children’s stories recounting the history of Christianity, yet this first film from Angel Studio delivers just that … well specifically, the story of Jesus for Easter. Seong-ho Jang has made a name as a Visual Effects expert, and with this directorial debut, he tells the Jesus story in a way that should keep most kids engaged. The screenplay was written by director Jang, Rob Edwards, Jamie Thomason, and Hoseok Sung.
Below are recaps of some of the short films I watched at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival.
Greetings again from the darkness. These are the kind of movies that it’s a pleasure to champion. Writer-director Reema Kagti and co-writer Varun Grover have produced a feel-good underdog story based on what a few folks actually accomplished in Malegaon, a small, poverty-stricken town in India. This inspirational true story opens in 1997 and is told in the Hindi language with subtitles.
Greetings again from the darkness. It’s 1944 in the mountainous northern Italy commune of Vermiglio. WWII has been raging for years, and even the families in this remote village have felt the effects. Writer-director Maura Delpero has delivered a beautiful and touching film that follows the four seasons. There is little wonder this was Italy’s Oscar submission for Best International Film. Although it missed on a nomination, it’s still one of the best films from 2024.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 