Chennai: Four years in the making, a unique film is nearing completion.
A British filmmaker and an Indian team have come together to make the first ever feature documentary on blind chess players.
This documentary on young blind chess players from India will be shown at the valedictory function of the IBCA Chess Olympiad here on Sunday when the filmmaker will be felicitated.
The film by Ian McDonald, titled “Algorithms”, is based on a group of Indian boys who dream of becoming Chess Masters, driven by a man with a vision. But this is no ordinary chess and these are no ordinary players.
“Algorithms” is a documentary on the thriving but little known world of Blind Chess in India and filmed over three years from just before the World Junior Blind Chess Championship in Sweden in 2009 to just after the next championship in Greece in 2011.
It follows three talented boys from different parts of India and a totally blind player-turned-pioneer who not only aims to place India on a global stage but also wants all blind children to play chess.
“Algorithms” travels with the chess players to competitive tournaments and visits them in their home milieu where they reveal their struggles, anxieties and hopes.
It moves through the algorithms of the blind chess world reminding the sighted of what it means to see. Gentle and subtle, this observational sport documentary with a difference elicits hidden realms of subjectivity.
It allows for the tactile and thoughtful journey that explores foresight, sight and vision to continue long after the moving image ends, according to the publicity brochure.
Meanwhile, hosts India ‘A’ came up with an inspired show to defeat Kazakhastan 3-1 in the eighth round of the Tata 14th IBCA Chess Olympiad for the Blind here Saturday.
On the top of the table, Russia drew Ukraine 2-2 and now lead the table with 13 match points. Ukraine, Germany and Spain shared the second spot with 12 match points. A further point behind were India ‘A’ at 11 points and the hosts need a win on Sunday to have a shot at the podium.
Swapanil Shah and Kishan Gangollli gave India ‘A’ a solid start, holding Maklushov Serik and Bibikov Yuriy of Kazakhastan to draws. With a 7/8 performance, Gangolli has played the superb sheet anchor for India’s chances in this Olympiad.
With 1-1 score on the cards, Darpan Inani and Makwana Ashvin exerted pressure on the Kazakhs. Darpan was the first to win, giving India ‘A’ an all important lead. Makwana then scored the win that kept India’s chances for a medal alive.
Earlier, the Russians took a quick 2-2 draw, agreeing for peace on all the four boards against Ukraine. The draw kept the top seeds on the top of table with 13 match points.
Spain and Germany kept their medal chances alive scoring over Serbia and Venezuela respectively. The crucial penultimate round win takes Spain and Germany to the shared second spot along with Ukraine at 12 points. (IANS)
