Original-Cin Q&A: Nyad Directors & Trainer Recall the Epic Cuba/Florida Swim and Card Games With Actors Bening and Foster
Nyad tells a true story of tenacity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit, recounting a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad.
At the age of 60, three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her.
Her goal: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of swims. Determined to become the first person to finish the swim without a shark cage, Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster) and a dedicated sailing team.
Jodie Foster and Annette Bening in training in Nyad.
The inspirational film marks the narrative directorial debut of Academy Award-winning documentary filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo, The Rescue).
Our Bonnie Laufer spoke with Directors E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin and coach Bonnie Stoll about bringing Diana Nyad’s incredible journey to the screen.
NYAD is in theaters on Friday, October 20 and will begin streaming on Netflix on November 3.
ORIGINAL-CIN: No one can dispute how inspiring Diana Nyad’s journey was. What was it about her that really touched your heart?
E. CHAI VASARHELYI: I think it was this idea of her waking up at the age of 60 and realizing that the world is kind of done with you, especially as a woman. Then you say, “Listen, I'm not done with the world.”
It was also that Jimmy and I have always been interested in stories about individuals who push the boundaries of what's possible. After working on and producing films like, The Rescue, Meru and Free Solo, we were interested in exploring that idea, especially focusing on a woman.
When we received the script, it just kind of jumped out of the page for us. Here was a woman who's unapologetic about her ambition and her flaws and her dreams, and it also provided rare opportunities to create two rich roles for two fabulous female actors.
O-C: Jimmy, working so closely with Diana and having access to all of that archival footage of what she has accomplished over the years, I can imagine it made you think, “I hope I can have that mind set at 60!”
JIMMY CHIN: Oh, of course. We were certainly inspired deeply by her story, which is why we felt compelled to make the film. I like to think that we surround ourselves with people who have that sort of drive and find that sort of purpose and meaning in their lives. That helps motivate us, but having now spent a little time with Diana and she's one of them.
O-C: You got to work with two of the best actresses in the business. Having Annette Bening and Jodie Foster on board is a real coup. Does it make a huge difference working with actors, as opposed to athletes?
VASARHELYI: Absolutely. In nonfiction, you are an observer, you're listening. That's your mission, your goal. To have the opportunity to tell a story with these incredible powerhouse creative partners who are as committed as you are to bringing these characters to life was a gift. It felt supercharged, it was just such a privilege.
O-C: Bonnie, congratulations on your tenacity and devotion to Diana and this film. I aspire to be a Bonnie like you!
BONNIE STOLL: Thanks, but I aspire to be a Bonnie like Jodie Foster. (Laughs)
O-C: Yes, she is pretty amazing and portrayed you perfectly. What was it like to have this Oscar-winning actress play you, and how much time did you spend collaborating with her?
STOLL: I was truly honored to have her play me. We spent a lot of time together, chatting, playing cards. We were hanging out quite a bit.
Diana and Annette had hung out quite a bit and the four of us got together quite a few times and really got to know each other. I was in awe of what they did, how they characterized us and got so many of our mannerisms and nuances down. Those two ladies are the real deal as human beings and on the screen.
O-C: What you did for Diana is beyond the meaning of a best friend. You stuck by her like glue, you were her ride-or-die. But as we see in the film, there were times when you were so frustrated you threw in the towel. Ultimately, you came back to coach her. What was it that drew you to her stay by her side and see her go the distance?
STOLL: So many things. But you know, I went through it in my head.
First of all, I didn't want to do it only because I had literally watched her die and I didn't want that to happen again. I didn't want her to die.
If she did go without me, and at one point I was really pushing her to do that. I was even ready to train anybody to (train her) and I did. She wouldn't have it. She didn’t want anyone else getting her to the finish line.
But if she didn't accomplish it, and I wasn't there, I would definitely blame myself didn't because I wasn't there. And if she had accomplished it, and I weren't there, that would have been gut-wrenching.
So there was a lot of going back and forth in my own head but the only decision was to be by her side. So I went back in full force and I am so proud and happy that I did.