Algorithms-Blind Chess Players of India 2014
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Produced by Geetha J.
Directed by Ian McDonald
DVD, b&w, 100 min.
K-12
Special Education
Date Entered: 07/08/2015
Reviewed by James Gordon, University at Buffalo LibrariesFollow three boys and their mentor over three years as they progress through competitive blind chess competitions in India and internationally. The story is about how these boys adapt and aspire to be chess champions. The focus is on the interpersonal relationships the boys have with their mentor and families who support them. You don’t have to know any chess at all to appreciate this movie.
This movie is recommended for blind students seeking inspiration and inside knowledge about playing chess competitions. This movie is in English, Hindi, Tamil and Odiya with English subtitles.
While I think Algorithms is targeted toward the blind, a good short film called Seescapes is included on the DVD. Seescapes is a 7-minute film for sighted as well as the blind. In Seescapes the three chess playing boys are interviewed and explain what it is like to live with blindness. Animations interpret their words to interesting original music.