Vancouver, CANADA – If you don’t follow the NBA, you probably have never heard of Steve Nash, though perhaps you’ve seen him in some other form. The man endorses Vitamin Water, appears in Nike ads, and most recently became a documentarian with the film ‘Into the Wind,’ based on the life of Canadian humanitarian Terry Fox.

He even has his own chain of fitness centers in Canada called the Steve Nash Sports Club. Though, he may not have the international branding power of Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant, but his celebrity status is pretty close.

In Nash: The Documentary (VIFF World Premiere), the multi-talented basketball point guard opens up about his life growing up in small town in Canada, determined to make his way into the NBA. The film chronicles his career and struggles to get to his level of success.

This nicely photographed documentary directed by Michael Hamilton and Corey Ogilvie, features a variety of famous people, everyone from Owen Wilson, and Ron Howard, to Kobe Bryant, and President Obama share their thoughts on Steve Nash, and how he has contributed to the sport. Yet it is Nash’s honesty on camera that keeps the film engaging, and more than just a sports highlight reel.

The insecurities along his career, and of being in the public eye, Nash is a relecutant celebrity who finds joy in contributing to charities with portions of what he earns while doing endorsements. He keeps a low profile, working on side projects outside of the NBA and we learn that he is quite skilled in soccer, having a brother who played professionally.

Edited with footage from Nash’s life, with career defining moments from the NCAA, and NBA, the filmmakers had access to a wealth of archive footage, and celebrity contacts largely due to Jenny Miller of the Steve Nash Foundation, who’s participation in the film was instrumental.

This is an inspiring documentary about a man in sports, who struggles with his own insecurities, while striving to achieve the best. The premiere version of the documentary screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival did feature some obvious typos in the titles, which were a glaring downside to an otherwise well executed film.

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[Rating:4/5]