This movie opened the 11th Persian Film Festival In Sydney’s entertainment quarter at Moore Park last night. A small section of Sydney’s glitterati including Hugo Weaving were there ,soaking up the excitement and the canapes and champagne. The movie title is a Japanese word for the matting used in judo since beginnings of the sport in Japan in the late 19th century.
The film is a beauty… but it’s a hybrid mix. An israeli director…Guy Nativ , and an iranian co director …Zahra Amir Ebrahimi. She is also one of its stars and is a citizen in France. The main protagonist Arienne Mandi was born in LA . However the subject matter and dialogue are pure Iranian.
It is beautifully shot in black and white. Sharp images and angles and some great overhead shots make it a cinematic delight. Its dark shadows evoke the Iranian regime hovering , menacing in the background.
The story is of political interference. The Regime having decided to allow participation in a world Judo Championship decides it is too much of a political risk. After all, its representative champion might be beaten by an Israeli! All sorts of pressure are brought to bear to force her to withdraw.
The story and its acting are compelling. The judo is mesmerizing. The camera work exquisite. Don’t miss it!
The 11th Persian Film Festival is screening at the Palace cinemas Moore Park until the 11th May 2025
http://Www.persianfilmfestival.com
