With the Toronto International Film Festival getting underway, the city is full of budding filmmakers.
But only one is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player — Victoria, B.C.’s Steve Nash.
“(Filmmaking is) something that I’m really passionate about,” said Nash, 35, said on Thursday. “It gives me a creative outlet that I may not have when my basketball career is over.”
While not part of TIFF, the Phoenix Suns point guard does have a film production company, Meathawk Productions, and several short films under his belt, including a popular viral video entitled Training Day.
He will also serve as a celebrity judge for the upcoming LG Life’s Good FilmFest, which is open to submissions of five-minute films that express a positive, uplifting message.
That motif fits with Nash’s current project — a documentary for ESPN about another Canadian sporting icon, Terry Fox.
“(Fox’s story is) so important to our culture and our history,” said Nash. “There’s a great opportunity to tell a huge audience in the States that have either never heard of Terry Fox or have forgotten about him.”
Nash said he hopes the film will encourage people to “get involved and give back and be part of the community.”
But as he prepares to enter his 14th NBA season, how does Nash balance the different aspects of his life? The key, he says, is making the most of his athletic downtime.
“Instead of playing golf or just hanging out, I like to focus my energy on things that are productive and hopefully will create some longevity and opportunities for me once my basketball career is over.”
So which would he rather win: An NBA championship or an Academy Award?
“Nothing against an Academy Award, but I’ve spent the better part of my life trying to (win an NBA title),” he said. “It’d be fun to realize that goal that I’m still chasing every day.”
That would, of course, be the perfect Hollywood ending to Nash’s storied basketball career.
