The British movie “Playing the Moldovans at Tennis” had its world premiere at Gaudeamus Movie Theater in Chisinau on May 18. It is based on the bestseller with the same name of the well-known writer and actor Tony Hawks and was screened within the European Film Festival dedicated to Europe Day in Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. The picture was inspired by real facts and features Moldova during the first years of independence. As a result of a stupid bet, Tony Hawks came to Moldova to beat the national tennis squad. The adventures he experienced here are described in his book that is full of humor and irony, but also of developing affection for this country. ”We are glad that this movie is premiered in Chisinau. Who knows, maybe in several years we will see Tony stepping on the red carpet, taking an Oscar as he deserves this prize,” British Ambassador in Chisinau Keith Shannon said before the showing. “I thought that the first world premiere of this picture should take place in Moldova. You will see in it all the Moldovan actors who know English. They are very talented people with whom we spent very nice moments. I hope that after seeing this film, the people from other countries will know more about Moldova,” said Tony Hawks. The book “Playing the Moldovans at Tennis” was very popular and Tony Hawks decided to set up a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Chisinau with the proceeds. During the 10 years of work of the Hipocrates Center, which is now called Tony Hawks Center, more than 1 000 children benefited from rehabilitation services, including urgent surgeries abroad. The provided assistance amounted to over 1 million lei. Tony Hawks said that a part of the proceeds of the screening will be donated to the same center. In Chisinau, the picture “Playing the Moldovans at Tennis” will be shown at Gaudeamus during May 19-27, between 16:00 and 18:00. In London, it will be premiered in a week.