Challenger: Zandaya Stars in a Tennis-themed Film as the Opening Movie at Venice Film Festival

The film 'Challenger,' starring Zandaya, Josh O'Connor, and Michael Fassbender, has been announced as the opening movie at this year's Venice Film Festival, with its world premiere scheduled for August 30.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for 'Call Me by Your Name' and 'A Bigger Splash,' the movie is set to be released in North America on September 15. It revolves around a tennis-themed story: Tashi (Zandaya), a former tennis player turned coach, who transforms her husband, Art (Fassbender), from an average player into a world-renowned Grand Slam champion.

However, Art is currently experiencing a losing streak, and to help him regain his form, Tashi encourages him to participate in a lower-level challenge where his opponent happens to be Patrick (O'Connor), a former rising star who is currently struggling. Patrick is not only Art's best friend but also Tashi's ex-boyfriend. As old feelings resurface, competition intensifies, and love and career hang in the balance, tensions rise both on and off the court, creating a competition for everyone involved.

Zandaya, Guadagnino, and Amy Pascal, the producer of the 'Spider-Man' film series, are involved in the production. The screenplay by Justin Kroll was previously featured on the 2021 Hollywood Black List, and the film is produced by MGM.