Over seventy five percent of the pupils in I.S. 318 are from families that are below the federal poverty level. This public Intermediate School in an un-gentrified part of Williamsberg, NY is struggling with untold budget cuts when this documentary starts being filmed soon after the 2008 recession. Yet what we see right from the opening sequences is such unfettered joy from happy kids who are so proud to be part of this well-run high-achieving School that defies the normal perception of a tough area neighborhood school.
What defines I.S. 318's success (asides from is above average academic achievements) is its vast remarkable after-school activities, the undoubted star of which is its Chess Club. Its won countless awards to date but over the two year period that this documentary was filmed, their victories peak even higher.
The film follows a few of the kids as they dedicate most of their spare time developing a passion for the game, and with such camaraderie, willing each other to succeed too . There is Rochelle who is on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming the first female African-American Grandmaster : Pobo who went from bad street kid to being voted School Student President and the unofficial cheerleader of the Chess club : Alex the champion who wants to become a Lawyer so he for once can help his struggling immigrant family ; and Patrick, one of the few Caucasians in the team who wants to overcome his AHD and become a winning player too. 'These geeks,' the School Principal declares, 'are the star athletes of IS 318.
Their boundless enthusiasm and tireless energy, and that of their teachers and coaches, is completely infectious and very soon each of their wins, and their defeats, seem devastating to you too. When the first major Budget Cut is soon followed by another the kids are equally committed, with their parents and the saint-like teaching staff, to fight back as they could mean the demise of the Club. In one such instance their concerted campaign gets $100K restored.
The stars of the piece besides the Principal are John Galvin his Deputy who has absorbed the principles of the game into his teaching philosophy, and skinny Elizabeth Vicery the Chess Teacher who devotes every waking moment of her life helping the kids excel at the game she has encouraged them to love.
The pressure is on when the Team departs for various School Championships around the country as in each of the different age groupings they are so use to winning first place. Watching the game itself on the big screen can be a tad tedious .... so there is little of it .... but watching the faces of the players is priceless and somewhat nerve racking.
This is an unmissable story about an adorable bunch of kids who were making all the right moves to get the best out of their young lives. But more than that its a look at a group of very committed and determined adults who went far beyond any call of duty to ensure that these hard knock kids got opportunities far beyond their expectations and the norm for inner city schools. Their struggle isn't easy (be prepared for some tears) but it was/is so well worth it.
If you loved 'Mad Hot Ballroom' the superb Doc from 2005 that following NY elementary school kids learning to dance and win, then you will howl/scream at this one too.
P.S. After the movie was completed IS 318 became the first Intermediate School to win the United States Chess Federation’s National High School Championship.
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Available now on DVD and VOD
