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Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration

A captivating 4-part docuseries examining the history of chess and its remarkable impact on culture, art, science, sport, social empowerment and more. The viewer is taken on an exhilarating journey across a wide range of times and places touching on cultural history, the nature of competitiveness, AI, psychology, game theory, chess variants, art, literature, gender issues, the concept of genius, education, mindset, personal empowerment, prison reform, and much more to comprehensively address the question of what makes the game so unique.

An eclectic range of leading academics, top chess players, experts in other games (such as xiangqi, shogi, makruk, and go) plus game changers in the world of prison reform and social empowerment have participated in the series. The films offer an experience of cinematic storytelling at its best with an engaging narrative and exciting visuals.                            

Study guide for Through the Mirror of Chess

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The Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration includes the following titles:

Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 1: UNIQUENESS - imageThrough the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 1: UNIQUENESS

The historical and societal importance of games, what chess is and isn’t, and why it’s an ideal vehicle to explore the captivating link between games and culture.

Ideas Roadshow | 2023 | 58 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults
Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 2: THE FIRST MILLENNIUM - imageThrough the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 2: THE FIRST MILLENNIUM

An examination of chess’ intriguing trajectory from Ancient India to the Sasanian Empire to the Golden Age of Islam to Medieval Europe, highlighting its many influences on art, literature and politics throughout a broad range of very different societies.

Ideas Roadshow | 2023 | 54 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults
Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 3: ART, SCIENCE, SPORT - imageThrough the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 3: ART, SCIENCE, SPORT

A detailed investigation of chess’ remarkable cultural impact from the late 15th century to the present day, from the birth of the modern game to Renaissance dialogues to artificial intelligence.

Ideas Roadshow | 2023 | 58 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults
Through the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 4: CONTEMPORARY IMPACT - imageThrough the Mirror of Chess: A Cultural Exploration Ep 4: CONTEMPORARY IMPACT

How the chess world reveals key aspects of our current beliefs and values, along with an exploration of several specific chess-related programs, from schools to prisons to personal empowerment.

Ideas Roadshow | 2023 | 70 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults

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