An exceptional cultural event will take place at Gaudeamus Movie Theater in Chisinau on May 18. The world premiere of the British movie “Playing the Moldovans at Tennis” is based on the bestseller with the same name of the well-known writer and actor Tony Hawks, 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. The book 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. Two years ago, Tony Hawks decided to make a film version of his bestseller in cooperation with a team of Moldovan filmmakers. The premiere of the picture was organized with the support of the British Embassy within the European Film Festival. The movie “Playing the Moldovans at Tennis” will be shown at Gaudeamus during May 19-27, between 16:00 and 18:00. The proceeds will go to build a new head office for Tony Hawks Center.