I did a quick write up on this excellent chess documentary. Give it a look-see?
I may have a chance to speak when it is shown at the Crossroads Film Festival. Anything I should know/emphasize?
Have you seen the film yet?
You’ll know what to say. 
I’ll see it at the same time as everyone else. My guess is I’ll describe the “powers that be” at the local, state, and national level and perhaps give an overview of the film–I’ve seen or read about various teachers over the last thirty or so years using chess to inspire inner city kids, like Vaux JHS a few decades ago, but like I’ve said I haven’t seen this film.
If you click on my globe to the right → , you’ll see I’ve helped with scholastic chess for quite a while. Some did well (for this state anyway) at the national level and enjoy the game as adults. Some show up for the tournaments without a clue as to what is going on and have “no idea what hit them.”
If you have some type of overview of the film I can comment on, I would appreciate it.
TIA
Not really, other than what I said in the article. It’s basically a heartbreak/feel good movie of epic chess proportions.
I mean, of course I know a little more about the film than what is in the article, but I’m not one for spoilers. Trust me, when you see it, you’ll have things to say. It’s super cool.
I’m not one for spoilers either, but will probably be speaking before the movie. Would like to be able to say “Look at what happens to X when he feels he’s finally getting it,” or “Pay attention to Y as the big tournament comes up,” or “Note the strings the teacher had to pull to even get this off the ground and/or fund raise.”
If you don’t want to spoil this for everyone else, please PM me.
OH, I see!
I’d hit hard on the ‘watch what people, even kids, can do, when something they love and are passionate about is threatened’ type thing.
I’d also note that the film pretty clearly portrays that not all chess players are nerds, but nerdy or not, school itself was very, very important to the kids of IS 318. I was amazed by it, especially considering my apathetic attitude toward school when I was young.
It wasn’t like anything I was expecting in that they already had the faculty and tradition on their side. Enjoyed the way they focused on just a few players (including one who started with a string of goose eggs, not typical for that school) and dealt with budget cuts.
The sad part was they only had about 30 people attending. I didn’t need to say much about ratings as it was covered in the film. Took a few questions, but the Q&A only lasted about three minutes.
Better than nothin’, though, that’s for sure. Thanks for the update!