Dr Ian McDonald

Dr Ian McDonald

Ian McDonald is an award-winning documentary filmmaker based in UK. His seemingly effortless ‘way of seeing’ has resulted in beautifully shot and carefully observed documentaries with a difference. Ian’s films reflect a move towards developing a distinctive form of film practice that refuses the boundaries between documentary, visual sociology and art. His previous films include Inside the Kalari on the martial art on kalarippayattu, Brighton Bandits on a gay football team, Melancholic Constellations on the art of William Kentridge and Justin on a forgotten man and a campaign in his name.

His first feature length documentary, Algorithms (2012) is winning awards and accolades at various documentary film festivals. This three-year film is about young blind chess players of India. His link with India goes back to his fieldwork days in 1998 when he used the camera to research Indian sport and the Indian way of life to his present as he collaborates with his filmmaker wife from India. Ian has been a jury member and curated sports strands for major film festivals.

Ian’s filmography as director includes Algorithms (2012), Justin (2011), 10-11 Pavillion Parade (2011), Melancholic Constellations: The Art of William Kentridge (2010), Willem Boshoff: Reflections of a South African Artist (2010), Out of Our Hands (2009), Shame (2009), Brighton Bandits (2007) and Inside the Kalari (2007).