Charades Acquires Paul Shkordoff's Basketball Drama 'Import'
Charades, a prominent film sales company, has officially acquired the international distribution rights for "Import," the highly anticipated debut feature from Canadian filmmaker Paul Shkordoff. This cinematic work, a compelling basketball drama, is currently in its final stages of post-production. The narrative promises a deep dive into the intense and demanding realm of European professional basketball, offering audiences a unique perspective on the sport.
Charades Secures Global Rights for Shkordoff's 'Import' Ahead of AFM Launch
In a significant development for the global film market, on October 27, 2026, Charades announced its acquisition of "Import," the inaugural feature film from acclaimed Canadian director Paul Shkordoff. Shkordoff, whose short film "Benjamin, Benny, Ben" garnered attention at Cannes in 2020, co-wrote the screenplay with Frank Graziano, known for his work on "Murina." The film, now in post-production, stars American professional basketball player Jawaun Daniels, alongside esteemed actors Alexis Manenti from 'Les Misérables' and Mouna Soualem of 'The Little Sister' fame.
Filmed against the vibrant backdrop of Belgrade, Serbia, "Import" chronicles the journey of Danny Ingram, a once-promising high school basketball talent whose professional aspirations are jeopardized by a severe injury. Seeking a fresh start, Danny ventures to Eastern Europe, where he confronts the brutal realities of the competitive basketball circuit, facing repeated rejections from recruiters. In a desperate bid to continue his passion, Danny conceals his injury. His path intertwines with Nima, a compassionate Syrian nurse dedicated to the local migrant community, who offers him an unexpected job opportunity. As a chance to play for the legendary Partizan basketball club emerges, Danny is forced to confront how far he is willing to push himself to realize his lifelong dream.
Charades is poised to launch the international sales campaign for "Import" at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM) next month. Pierre Mazars, co-founder of Charades, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that "'Import' provides a refreshing outlook on a sport often defined by American influence. In Serbia, basketball transcends a mere game; it is a way of life." Mazars commended Shkordoff's ability to capture the sport's distinctive and fervent atmosphere, delivering a powerful and universally resonant story that extends beyond the confines of athletic competition.
Director Paul Shkordoff elaborated on the film's thematic core, explaining that it explores the intricate interplay between professional aspirations, physical limitations, and individual identity. He highlighted the poignant truth that in sports, the body can betray what the mind refuses to acknowledge. Shkordoff noted, "We often pursue our work as a means to discover meaning, perceiving it as a shortcut to defining who we aspire to be. However, when that pursuit is no longer viable, the identity we've meticulously constructed can feel as though it dissipates."
"Import" benefited from a collaborative partnership with KK Partizan, one of EuroLeague's most iconic basketball teams, whose loyal fanbase is prominently featured in the film. The production is a collaborative effort by Jason Aita of Sweet George Films, Emily Harris of OPC, and Rosalie Chicoine Perreault of Quebec-based Metafilms, a company associated with Sylvain Corbeil's production house, known for films such as "Mommy" and "Universal Language." Co-production credits go to Jean-Christophe Reymond's French banner Kazak Productions, renowned for "Titane," and Milan Stojanović's Serbian firm Sense Productions, in association with Biscuit Filmworks and The Lift. The project also received support from Telefilm Canada, Eurimages, the CNC's Aide aux Cinémas du Monde, the Île-de-France Region, SODEC, and Ontario Creates.
This film marks Shkordoff's directorial debut in feature films, building upon a series of critically acclaimed shorts. His 2020 short, "Benjamin, Benny, Ben," was a Palme d'Or contender at Cannes and featured in Telluride's Calling Cards section, curated by Barry Jenkins. It also earned a nomination for Best Live-Action Short at the Canadian Screen Awards and won Best Canadian Short Film in Toronto. His subsequent short, "Twelve Hours," premiered globally at TIFF in 2021. Shkordoff developed "Import" through the TorinoFilmLab's ScriptLab program in 2022. The film also reunites him with co-writer Graziano, who collaborated on Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s "Murina," recipient of the Caméra d’Or in 2021.
This news underscores the growing international collaboration in filmmaking and the power of sports narratives to explore universal human experiences. Shkordoff's film, with its focus on the psychological and physical challenges faced by athletes, offers a compelling reflection on resilience and self-discovery. The involvement of such diverse production entities from Canada, France, and Serbia highlights the global appeal and collaborative spirit of the contemporary film industry, promising a rich and authentic portrayal of basketball culture beyond American shores.
