On October 5, 2025, The Ace of Fadez earned its seventh award in the chess world, marking another major step in what is quickly becoming an international journey toward legendary status. The film continues to travel, resonate, and evolve—much like the mindset that shaped it.

 

What many don’t realize is that embedded within the film is a deeper metaphor: chess.

 

To explore that connection, I sat down with J. Mitchell, director of The Ace of Fadez, to ask how a game of strategy, structure, and flow became such a strong parallel for filmmaking, business, and life.

 

Brittney Wright:

In the film, there’s a subtle but clear connection to chess. What does the game represent for you?

 

J. Mitchell:

“Chess is all about structure, strategy, and flow. It keeps the mind sharp—not just creatively, but in business and in life. Making a film is no different. From the opening move to the final frame, everything flows intentionally.”

 

Brittney Wright:

You reached legendary status in chess, How did that shape your mindset?

 

J. Mitchell:

“I didn’t get there by being perfect. I got there by being consistent and making adjustments. I learned from every win and every loss. That’s how I earned multiple awards in the chess world, including top-tier legendary league status.”

 

Brittney Wright:

You even used the same name—The Ace of Fadez—in chess. Why?

 

J. Mitchell:

“That name became a mindset. I stayed on the board day and night, just to see if reaching the top was even possible. Once I knew it was, I stepped back. It became addictive, and I’ve learned anything that starts to own you needs balance.”

 

Brittney Wright:

Do you still play?

 

J. Mitchell:

“Here and there. But now I don’t just play to win—I play to keep learning. Every opponent teaches you something, from how they open to how they close. Filmmaking, business, life—it’s the same principle.”

 

As The Ace of Fadez continues its international rise, the parallel becomes clear: legendary status isn’t achieved through constant victory. It’s earned through discipline, awareness, and the willingness to learn from every move.

 

The board may change.

The arena may expand.

But the strategy remains the same.

 

And just like chess, the film is still playing the long game. ♟️