Moldovan Movie
Tony Hawks' new film adaptation on the way.
1 June, 2012
The genre of "semi-autobiographical comedy-drama based on bestselling memoir in which the author plays a fictionalised version of himself" movies is a small one, but it's one that Tony Hawks has made his own. Red Dwarf's original man of a million (well... several) voices has followed up his first film, 2010's Round Ireland With a Fridge, with a new movie based on his second book: Playing the Moldovans at Tennis.
Originally published by Ebury Press in 2000, Tony's book has sold over 200,000 copies, and tells the real-life story of yet another unbelievable adventure kicked off by a spur-of-the-moment wager. Now, that same story has been turned into a movie by Tony and the award-winning director Mikolaj Jaroszewiecz, which stars Tony as himself and is set for release on 21st June. Here's the synopsis from the film's website:
Tony, a successful and somewhat complacent writer, makes a bizarre bet with a friend that he can play and beat the entire Moldovan national football team at tennis, one by one.
Tony believes the task will be relatively easy and has a cunning plan to use the adventure as material for a next book. However, upon arriving in the former Soviet Republic of Moldova, he discovers the task will be more challenging than expected, as he encounters uncooperative football managers, gangsters, corruption and poverty.
Despite these trials, Tony's understanding of the country and its problems grow. He develops a strong bond with the family he is lodging with and an unconventional and, at times, downright awkward relationship with Lulian, his translator - a relationship that mirrors the clash of their starkly differing cultures.
As the story unfolds, Tony's desire not to let the family down, particularly ten year old Elena, becomes more important than winning the bet itself.
Profits from the film - which has been entirely self-funded by Tony himself - will go to the Hippocrates Children's Centre in Moldova, which aims to improve the health of children with chronic conditions who are living in socially vulnerable families.
The Red Dwarf connections don't stop with Tony, either. The original bet was made with none other than shouty backwards nightclub owner Arthur Smith - although unlike Tony, Arthur doesn't play himself in the movie - while another alumnus, Morwenna Banks, does star in the film. But does our favourite vending machine voice triumph in his wager? You'll have to wait until 21st June to find out...
Find out more about the film, and watch a trailer, at moldovansmovie.com.
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