Album 61

Story

Documentary: Boris Gelfand has been waiting all his life for this moment: the Jewish chess pro from Byelorus takes on the Indian world champion Viswanathan Anand. From his early childhood onwards, Boris has been systematically groomed to be a future champion, with his late father dedicating his life to his son’s chess training. Gelfand Senior documented his son’s development in intricate diagrams and 60 photo albums. The showdown approaches: as the chess world and his mother look on, Boris and his opponent experience a dramatic battle for the best strategy and the strongest nerves. Album 61 is a vibrant chess thriller and perhaps the last chapter in a very special father-son relationship.

Director

Halil Efrat (1968) works as a film editor and documentary film-maker. His debut Souvenir won the Israeli film prize in 2006. Album 61 is his second long documentary.

Trailer