Planet Kirsan

2011 • 50 minutes

About this movie

Amir's face is taut with tension. His eyes focus in on the board as he plots his next move. Years of harsh tutelage have prepared him for this. Kalmykia is a nation obsessed with chess and this is the most important few minutes in most children's lives, the final act of a chess match. We follow Amir and his brother Aleshan through their struggle to become champions, and the access to a better life it brings. The hand hovers over the chess piece, the tension in the room could be cut with a knife, the move happens and then the riposte. Check mate, a dream comes true.