Chalk of Champions

One of the best kept secrets in the math world is… chalk. But not just any chalk, Hagoromo: a Japanese brand so smooth, so perfect that some wondered if it was made from the tears of angels. This story follows some of the brightest minds in math from top universities as they talk about hoarding this magical chalk and the hysterics once Hagoromo abruptly went out of business. Some became chalk dealers and some were a little less clever than they thought they were. Learn about the value of this incredible chalk.

  • Jackie Omanoff
    Director
  • Noah Throop
    DP/Producer
  • Justin Beach
    Editor
  • Drew Beebe
    Senior Producer
  • Sadie Bass
    Supervising Producer
  • Mariano Carranza
    Second Camera NYC
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 2, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Great Big Story
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights, Internet
Director Biography - Jackie Omanoff

Jackie Omanoff lives in Brooklyn but hails from sunny California. She started producing in the advertising industry but found more meaning through CNN’s Great Big Story. She has received a number of awards while producing at the media company including a Silver Cannes Lion, Digital Drum Award and Vimeo Staff pick.

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Director Statement

When I first took on the project, I was skeptical about making a film about chalk. But I grew to become enamored by the eccentricities of these genius mathematicians, all hailing from the world’s best universities, and their crazy devotion to this one, very special, piece of chalk.