Charades Boards Paul Shkordoff’s Basketball Drama ‘Import’ Ahead of AFM

Charades International has taken on worldwide sales for Paul Shkordoff’s first feature film, “Import,” a basketball drama set in Serbia. The project, co‑written with Frank Graziano, is in post‑production and will be shopped at the American Film Market next month. The story follows a former high‑school star who hides a career‑ending injury to chase a second chance in European basketball. With a cast that includes American pro Jawaun Daniels and French actors Alexis Manenti and Mouna Soualem, the film blends sport with migration themes. Its launch signals a growing appetite for non‑American sports narratives on the global market.

What happened

Charades has boarded “Import,” the debut feature of Canadian director Paul Shkordoff, whose Cannes‑competing short “Benjamin, Benny, Ben” raised his profile. Co‑written with Frank Graziano, the film is currently in post‑production after shooting on location in Belgrade, Serbia. It stars American professional basketball player Jawaun Daniels, alongside French talent Alexis Manenti and Mouna Soualem, and will launch its international sales campaign at the upcoming American Film Market.

The narrative follows Danny Ingram, a former high‑school basketball prospect whose professional dreams are shattered by a serious injury. Seeking redemption, he travels to Eastern Europe, conceals his injury, and navigates the fiercely competitive Serbian basketball scene. Along the way he meets Nima, a Syrian nurse caring for migrants, whose job offers become a lifeline. As Danny earns a chance to play for Partizan, he must decide how far he’s willing to go for his sport. “Import offers a fresh perspective on a sport long shaped by the U.S. dominance on basketball’s global image. In Serbia, basketball is more than a game — it’s a religion,” said Charades co‑founder Pierre Mazars.

Why it matters

“Import” arrives at a moment when global audiences are craving stories that move beyond Hollywood’s traditional sports tropes. By centering on European basketball—a cultural institution in Serbia—the film highlights a different athletic ethos and showcases the continent’s passion for the game. The project also intertwines sport with migration and identity, reflecting broader social conversations about displacement and opportunity in Europe. For investors and distributors, the film’s cross‑cultural appeal and festival pedigree suggest strong potential in both theatrical and streaming markets.

How to think about it

If you follow emerging international cinema, add “Import” to your watch list as a case study in how sports can serve as a conduit for larger social narratives. Track its AFM sales rollout to gauge distributor interest, and watch for festival bookings that could signal a theatrical or streaming launch. For creators, the film illustrates the value of pairing authentic athletic talent with seasoned screenwriters to deepen realism while expanding thematic depth.

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