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
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
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
Awards
Winners will receive:
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