Asif Kapadia's first two documentary features, "Senna" and "Amy," revolutionized the nonfiction format by eschewing talking heads and turning archival video into intimate, visceral movies.
In "Diego Maradona," the British filmmaker brings the same treatment to the Argentine soccer legend, focusing on his rise and fall while playing in Italy for the club Napoli. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week, albeit without its famous subject in attendance.
Maradona said he was unable to attend the festival because of a shoulder injury. Kapadia also hasn't yet been able to screen the film for Maradona.
Director Asif Kapadia poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Diego Maradona' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le CaerInvisionAP)
HBO acquired the documentary ahead of Cannes, with plans to air it in September.
Producer Daniel Arcucci, from left director Asif Kapadia and Fernando Signorini pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Diego Maradona' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le CaerInvisionAP)
Producers Lina Caicedo, from left Fiammetta Luino, director Asif Kapadia and producer Raquel Alvarez pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Diego Maradona' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le CaerInvisionAP)