Based on comedian and author Tony Hawks’s best selling book of the same name, Playing the Moldovans at Tennis tells the true story of Hawks’s participation in a light-hearted bet which turns into a life-changing experience.
In September 1997, Hawks bet fellow comedian Adam Smith that he could beat the all eleven members of the Moldovan football team at tennis. Hawks goes about tracking down each player, spending several weeks in Moldova, in an attempt to coax the footballers onto a tennis court. However, what was intended to be a light-hearted game turns into a moving journey as Hawks discovers the struggles endured by the footballers of Europe’s poorest country and tries to change the outlook of his host family.
Co-directed by and starring Tony Hawks himself, the film depicts a heartwarming journey of discovery culminating in a moving and inspirational final scene.
The film’s profits will go to the Hippocrates Children’s Centre in Moldova, founded by Tony Hawks, which aims to improve the health of children with chronic conditions who are living in socially vulnerable families.
For a film that traces life from silly bets to a heart-warming climax, head to City Screen York for a screening of Playing the Moldovans at Tennis.
Tony Hawks will also be ‘live’ at City Screen after the film screening to talk about his film and answer all your questions.
