A story that can change the world
Press release by FIDE
The FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge 2025 is underway, and filmmakers, educators, and social leaders from across the globe are already sharing how chess transforms lives. With the deadline set for 25 October 2025, there's still time to add your voice to this unique celebration of chess as a force for change.
Submitted stories: Entries so far range from polished productions to heartfelt grassroots films. Some use animation, others capture simple classroom moments, but all shine a light on the power of chess. Each story follows one of the challenge's three themes:
Personal development
In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Viktor Korchnoi. Let them show you which openings Korchnoi chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were, or how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame.Chess builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and strengthens problem-solving skills. A powerful example comes from the United States, where the film Building Minds With Chess features GM Pontus Carlsson showing how the game nurtures decision-making and resilience among young learners in New Orleans.
Social transformation
Chess brings diverse groups together, fostering inclusion, and supporting education and rehabilitation programs. In South Africa, the documentary Helping Kings and Queens Make the Right Moves explores the game's impact in a disadvantaged community where young people face crime and gang violence. At its heart is the story of Jedidah, a girl who, after failing second grade, embraced chess as a way to rebuild her confidence and ultimately blossomed as both a student and a player.
Opportunities & livelihoods
Chess offers pathways for personal and professional growth, and the entry "Women's Chess guide" showcases chess as a lifestyle through the lens of women at every level of the game, from casual players to traveling international competitors. Beyond showing a Queen's Gambit-like story of a female player rising to the top, it also offers a glimpse of female chess communities and clubs, an image still too rarely seen on screen.
Categories & submission details
In this video course, experts including Dorian Rogozenco, Mihail Marin, Karsten Müller and Oliver Reeh, examine the games of Boris Spassky. Let them show you which openings Spassky chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were and much more.The competition is open to entries in two categories:
- Professional – High-quality, polished productions
- Grassroots – Creative and amateur video submissions
Key dates:
- Deadline: October 25, 2025
Winners will receive the following awards:
- A special FIDE trophy
- An invitation to the FIDE Olympiad 2026 Opening Ceremony (including two nights' accommodation for two people)
- A global spotlight as top films will be showcased at the 2025 Social Chess Conference, across FIDE's social media, and other social chess events
Award categories:
- Best Short Film (Professional)
- Best Grassroots Film (Amateur)
- FIDE Social Commission Choice Award
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome (no restrictions on age or nationality) and filmmakers may submit more than one entry.
Submit your film here: fide.com/social2025-storytelling-challenge/#send
Most players prefer to attack rather than defend. But what is the correct way to do it? GM Dr Karsten Müller has compiled many rules and motifs to guide you, along with sharpening your intuition for the exceptions.
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