With the FIDE Chess World Cup underway in Goa, this month’s collection explores how play, ritual, and strategy reveal what it means to survive and connect.
From the chess legends of Georgia to the rooftop pigeon-games of Beirut and the bullrings of Bosnia, these films uncover the games people play - and the stakes behind every move.
Glory to the Queen
Four women from Georgia who changed the game of chess
Launches 20 Nov 2025
In Soviet-era Georgia, four women rose to dominate the world of chess - and rewrote its history in the process. “Glory to the Queen” celebrates their brilliance, friendship, and lasting influence on generations of players.
Why watch:
- A rare portrait of female mastery in a male-dominated field
- Human, humorous, and deeply inspiring
- Timely companion to the Chess World Cup
What others say:
"Just the coolest women ever; nonchalant as they shoot pool and talk about intimidating Yuri Gagarin, hanging out with chess boards and cake, throwing a little shade here and there, supporting the kids." - Reviewer on Letterboxd
Kash Kash - Without Feathers We Can’t Live
The game of freedom above Beirut’s rooftops
Above the city’s chaos, a secret game takes flight. In “Kash Kash,” Beirut’s youth play the traditional pigeon-game “Kash Hamam,” turning the skies into a metaphor for freedom, resilience, and hope.
Why watch:
- A poetic lens on Beirut’s hidden rooftop subculture
- Festival acclaim including CPH:DOX (New:Vision) and DOC NYC
- A moving portrait of play, risk, and the will to rise above
Korida
Tradition, rivalry, and reconciliation in Bosnia’s bullfights
Launches 27 Nov 2025
In Bosnia, bullfighting isn’t about death — it’s about pride, power, and peace. “Korida” explores how this centuries-old ritual mirrors post-war identity and the human need for belonging.
Why watch:
- A striking portrait of cultural ritual and resilience
- Reveals how games can heal divided communities
- Immersive access to a little-seen tradition
What others say:
"The game brings the players a meditative calm but not a lasting escape from Lebanon’s economic and political disaster." - Reviewer on WSWS
Other links
Related Links
- Glory to the Queen – Official Film Site
- Nona Gaprindashvili – The First Woman Grandmaster
- Kash Kash – Without Feathers We Can’t Live (German Documentaries)
- Lebanon’s Crisis Told Through the Rooftop Game “Kash Hamam”
- Bullfighting Without Blood – Bosnia’s Peaceful Corridas
Explore more award-winning documentaries on iWonder.
