NASTY: The documentary about Ilie Năstase selected for Cannes Film Festival

NASTY, the documentary about the life and career of Romanian tennis player Ilie Năstase, has been included in the selection of the 77th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival, one of the most important film events in the world. Directed by Tudor Giurgiu, Cristian Pascariu, and Tudor D. Popescu, the film will be screened in the ‘Special Screenings’ section of the Official Program. The Cannes Film Festival will take place between May 14th and 25th on the French Riviera.

“It’s extraordinary that NASTY has been selected this year at Cannes. In France, Ilie Năstase is just as loved as in Romania. The documentary’s inclusion in the festival selection is a recognition of our team’s work and proof that you can be selected at Cannes even with a film that is not necessarily in the realm of art cinema. It’s a step forward towards the international distribution of the film, and I hope it will be seen all over the world. I shared the news with Ilie, and he was very happy,” said Tudor Giurgiu.

One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, Cannes brings hundreds of international stars to the red carpet to present their latest films. Among this year’s guests are filmmaker George Lucas, who will be honored for his entire career, Canadian director Xavier Dolan, who will be the president of the Un Certain Regard jury, director and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, the president of the competition jury, and actor Kevin Costner.

NASTY tells the story of Năstase’s career and the influence he had on tennis. Personalities such as Rafael Nadal, Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Stan Smith, or Phil Knight (Nike founder) speak about the Romanian in the documentary.

NASTY had its national premiere on April 16th at the Sala Palatului in Bucharest. Over 3000 spectators and guests watched the film together with Ilie Năstase. Special guests included Ion Țiriac, Boris Becker, Nadia Comăneci, and Gheorghe Hagi.”