HBO & Max doc NASTY arrives on Max
May 15, 2024
The original bad boy of tennis, Romanian player Ilie Năstase is the subject of NASTY, a new documentary that chronicles his life and outstanding career of achievements. The co-production for Max between HBO Documentaries Europe and Romanian Libra Films, will be released in 23 territories in the week of the Max streaming platform’s launch across Europe shortly after its Cannes screening. NASTY is co-directed by Libertate’s Tudor Giurgiu and newcomers Cristian Pascariu and Tudor D. Popescu. Produced by Cosmin Hodor, Tudor Giurgiu for Libra Films and Hanka Kastelicová & Tereza Bóna Keilová for HBO.
“NASTY has been an incredible ride for me, a wonderful trip down memory lane. Up until now the public’s reaction was extraordinary. I’m really happy that the documentary will be streamed on MAX in Europe and more people have the chance to watch it. It’s not only a film about tennis, but also a film about another era of the sport, about friendship, hard work and what it means to stay true to yourself. That’s what I always did. I did it my way,” said Nastase.
Coming from Romania, Ilie Năstase made a name for himself in the ‘70s & ‘80s by winning titles at the US Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. His matches attracted large crowds and huge media attention due both to his strong game and personality. Funny, lovable, and at times arrogant and eccentric, Năstase was cheered, booed, but never ignored.
“I am very happy to be co-producing this fascinating film about the life of Ilie Năstase – a tennis legend whose matches I enjoyed as a child and whose charisma on the court is still recognised today. The filmmakers have skillfully portrayed the journey of this Eastern European athlete who transcended borders with his talent and personality, which earned him the nickname Nasty for his engaging and often controversial style. This film captures the essence of a true showman, reminding us of Năstase‘s legacy and the mark he left on the tennis world,” said Hanka Kastelicová, Vice President & Executive Producer Documentaries HBO EMEA – HBO Max.
“Ilie Năstase on the court was fabulous. This young man from a communist country managed, in just a few years, to conquer the world with his talent and personality. We have been working on this project for 5 years, during which time we have uncovered impressive archives about Năstase’s career and life and had the chance to talk to sports superstars, people who were deeply influenced by him. I believe that, in the end, our efforts will be seen on screen – a portrait of a complex, always surprising, hard-to-define character who made history for Romania and for tennis,” said Tudor Giurgiu, Director & Producer.
From May 24th Max subscribers in Hungary, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Slovakia, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Poland will be able to watch the film. Later in June, NASTY will be available on Max in the Czech Republic and from the Autumn in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia via affiliate packages with HBO OD.
Ilie Năstase was the first tennis player to top the ATP ranking in 1973 and is one of the few players in history to have won over 100 titles. His natural talent and larger than life personality, on and off the court, have attracted the nickname Nasty and made Năstase an unlikely global star, influencing the sport forever. The documentary is also among the few Romanian productions that will have a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23rd, 2024, celebrating the documentary and Ilie Năstase’s legacy.
NASTY includes remarkable archival footage and exclusive interviews with top sports personalities, including WBD Eurosport experts John McEnroe and Boris Becker, exploring Năstase’s highs and lows, the controversies that surrounded him, and the enduring impact he has had on the world of tennis.
The film is co-directed by Libertate’s Tudor Giurgiu and newcomers Cristian Pascariu and Tudor D. Popescu. Also featuring Rafael Nadal, Björn Borg, Billie Jean King, gymnast Nadia Comăneci and Nike’s founder Phil Knight; Năstase was the first sportsman to sign a deal with the brand in 1972.
NASTY is produced by Libra Films in co-production with HBO and The Romanian Television. Presented by Ion Țiriac Foundation, Banca Transilvania, Dedeman, Superbet, with the support of Mastercard.
The film is produced with the support of the Romanian Government, LIDL, Vodafone, Henkel Romania, CEC Bank, Regina Maria, HelpNet, Initiative Media. Theatrical distribution in Romania is by Transilvania Film. Goodfellas handles the international sales.
HBO Max has full and exclusive release rights for NASTY in the following territories: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Spain, Spain, Andorra, Slovakia, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. HBO rights cover also Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, and also Turkey where WBD recently acquired BluTV and Greece.