Nicol David's Journey To Becoming The Squash World Champion Will Be Made Into A Biopic
'I Am Nicol David' will feature a local cast and be co-written by a well-known Malaysian screenwriter.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 08 Jun 2021, 11:38 AM
The journey of Datuk Nicol David growing to become the longest-holding woman squash champion will be made into a biopic
Nicol took to her Instagram to announce the good news yesterday, 7 June, saying that the movie — I Am Nicol David — will be produced by local digital media and film production investment company ACE Pictures Entertainment.
"I'm so thrilled and overwhelmed to announce that we will be producing my biopic movie," said the eight-time world champion.
"I always dreamt of one day tell (sic) my story to be able to inspire everyone to work hard for what they want to achieve and constantly challenge yourself to bigger heights."
According to a report by The Edge Markets, Nicol shared on her Instagram Story that the biopic will be made with both local and foreign talents.
For example, Nicol's coach — Australian Liz Irving — will be played by a Hollywood actress, while the writers for the biopic are two high-profile female screenwriters from Malaysia and the US.
It is said that the Malaysian writer is lauded for her credentials and high reviews on several well-known screenplay coverage services in the US.
When asked who will be playing the role of Nicol in the biopic, the squash queen said "someone else will be acting it"
"The production will do a nationwide casting in Malaysia to find someone to play the role as me," The Star quoted the Penangite as saying.
Auditions to look for someone to play the role of Nicol will be held in both East and West Malaysia.
Presently, ACE Pictures is tight-lipped about production details of the biopic.
However, while speaking about her favourite segment in the biopic, the 108 consecutive month champion said, "My best part of this movie or the essence of it is the portrayal of a woman's will and dedication that is so profound, it becomes life itself."
"And the complex struggles one has to face when confronted with the reality of having to let go of something so deeply apart of herself."
The biopic will be produced in English and catered not only to the Malaysian audience, but also audiences in the US and Europe
It is learnt that ACE Pictures has distributions networks and connections to sales agencies in these regions.
In a statement, ACE Pictures president Peter Wong said, "Hearing Nicol speak about her life story gave us a completely different view into the sacrifices that had to be done in order to achieve her remarkable level of success."
"While we believe many are willing to go beyond the ordinary for their careers as a pro athlete, the love and dedication Nicol has for the sport exceeds normal understanding. This is why her biopic will not only be about an underdog's rise to success — she was and always has been an established icon."
Wong added that with the biopic, his team aspires to present Malaysia to the world as a leading film destination by bringing Hollywood filmmakers here, while showcasing some of the best local talents on a global stage, reported The Edge Markets.
Left to right: Nicol David, her father Desmond David, and her mother Ann Marie.
Image via Berita Harian