EXCLUSIVE: France tv distribution has acquired world sales rights for Romuald Boulanger’s upcoming bio-pic Mansour, capturing the journey of celebrity tennis player Mansour Bahrami’s from post-Revolutionary Iran, to exile and poverty in France, and then fame on the international circuit.
Iranian actor Amir Jadidi, who is best known internationally for his lead performance in Asghar Farhadi’s 2021 Cannes Grand Prix winner and Oscar-nominated drama A Hero, will play Bahrami.
Romuald Boulanger directs and produces under the banner of his Paris and L.A.-based company R-Lines Productions (On the Line, Like Me, Haters) with UK-based Unconditional Pictures.
Unconditional Pictures’s co-founder and co-head Dawn McDaniel wrote the screenplay with Philippe de Lyon taking co-writing credits
Iran-born Bahrami, 68, is a popular figure on the international tennis tournament circuit for his entertaining playing style and extraordinary life story.
Born in Iran in the 1950s, he taught himself to play tennis using a frying pan as a racket and disused swimming pool as his court.
Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, he fled to France. Stateless, penniless and homeless, he wandered the streets of Paris by night and slept in the locker room of Roland Garros during the day, but never lost hope.
The film will capture how through sheer determination and quick wit, Bahrami navigated the complexities of life as an illegal immigrant, while forming lasting bonds with tennis icons who recognized his talent, to fulfil his childhood dream of playing at Roland Garros.
“Many people have told me over the years that my story is made for the screen but in fact it’s very humbling to think there will be a feature film of my life,” said Bahrami.
“I could not be prouder of the team we have with France tv distribution, R-Lines Productions and Unconditional Pictures and I’m so happy that Romuald Boulanger will be directing the film. Not only is he an exciting director but he is such a lovely guy.
“Amir Jadidi is also an exceptional Actor. He really does transform. The fact he is a semi-pro tennis player is one of those great strokes of luck. Thank you to Dawn McDaniel for writing a beautiful script we all believe in. If my story can inspire people and make them smile, then I will be a very happy man.”
Boulanger described Bahrami as “true hero” whose whose “resilience and passion have inspired countless individuals”
“I am immensely honored to bring his extraordinary journey to the big screen,” he said.
France tv distribution team will launch the project in Cannes.
“We have been moved by this story that illustrates the strength and determination of a man willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his dearest dream,” said VP International Cinema Sales Alexandre René and and SVP International Sales Julia Schulte.
The post ‘A Hero’ Star Amir Jadidi To Play Celebrity Tennis Player Mansour Bahrami In Bio-Pic: France TV Distribution Boards Sales – Cannes Market appeared first on Deadline.
