Photographer, Jerry Pantzer ; film editors, Cindy Kaplan, Betsy Maturo ; music, Carmen Whiip
High school students through adults
Tells the story of an inspired inner-city teacher and eight bright and spirited Black sixth graders who together challenged some skeptical observers by organizing a chess team, and with three years of hard work, went on to win a national championship. Called the "Masters of Disaster," a label they adopted during their early struggles, the team is shown at practice, in school, in chess competitions, with families and friends, on a trip to Japan, and during a visit with the President of the United States, as the documentary pieces together the progress from their frustrating beginnings until their last national competition as a group. Teacher Bob Cotter's motivational techniques and the team members' unique contributions to the group's successes stand as inspiration to young people and adults everywhere
