Ian McDonald and Geetha J’s forays in documentary filmmaking have always had focused on an offbeat choice of subject matter. They believe that their latest venture, Algorithms, a tale of blind chess players, re-invents filmmaking methods altogether
“We are bound by the restrictions and limitations we placeupon ourselves,” says filmmaker Ian McDonald philosophically. His reference isto his latest project ‘Algorithms’ with his wife and Co-Producer. Thedocumentary covers a story in India, where a group of boys dream of becomingchess masters, under the guidance of a man with a vision. But this is noordinary chess and these are no ordinary players. Algorithms is a documentarythat has been produced based solely on the thriving but little known world ofBlind Chess in India.
The documentary has been filmed in real-time, and over aspan of three years. Algorithms follows the travels of three talented boys (anda totally blind player who turned pioneer) to competitive national and worldchampionships. The documentary then goes into further detail by visiting theirhomes where they reveal their struggles, anxieties and hopes.
Geetha, speaking on her husband McDonald’s eagerness to workwith the project says, “It was almost like a natural choice for him. Prior tobecoming a filmmaker, Ian was a sports sociologist. That drives him when itcomes to these types of projects.”
She goes on to explain, “There is a big difference betweensight and vision. The primary aim of this documentary is challenging thesighted to ‘see’. It summarises the tactile and thoughtful journey and exploresforesight and true vision.”
The movie turned out to be one of the most highly acclaimedand recommended documentaries to watch at the recently concluded Film Bazaar.Gary Armstrong, the film’s Associate Producer, believes, “Algorithms isrefreshing in an age where we are generally spoon-fed ideas. It is a movingtale that has the ability to just drop you into the world of blind chess. Youhave to literally ‘feel’ around the movie’s many themes. From the point of viewof a filmgoer, I feel privileged and also humble to be a witness of thatworld.”
The director’s decision to produce the film in black andwhite after being shot in colour has been termed ‘interesting’ by viewers.Kavita Sharma, a scout for fresh talent says, “Ian’s decision to go for freshlook is what excited me. It was high in contrast, and it was a look that, in myopinion, reinforced the depth of the film.”
But the words of McDonald himself that best sum up theexperience that is Algorithms. “Finding hope in what may generally beconsidered hopelessness, and possibility in impossibility, the community thatthe movie covers, reminds us of the significance of touch in an era that is dominatedby the visual sense.”
