Los Angeles (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – Netflix has detailed Queen of Chess, a documentary on Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár’s challenge to male dominance in chess, directed by Rory Kennedy. The film premieres at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 27 before a Netflix debut on February 6. It features Polgár, her family, Garry Kasparov, and others, chronicling her record as youngest grandmaster at 15.
Documentary Announcement and Sundance Premiere
Netflix Tudum announced Queen of Chess on December 19, 2025, confirming its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The 1 hour 35 minute film, rated 10+, traces Judit Polgár’s career from 1989 when she was 12. Netflix title 81749912 describes her battles against scepticism, sexism, and Garry Kasparov to claim a place among chess greats.
As reported by Tudum Staff of Netflix Tudum, the documentary covers Polgár’s David-and-Goliath mission in a male-dominated sport. It details her family’s experiment to raise geniuses, her number one female ranking at 12, and grandmaster title at 15, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record. The premiere date of January 27 aligns with festival scheduling.
Judit Polgár herself shared excitement for the event. Judit Polgar said in X post,
“I am literally and figuratively flying to the world premiere of Queen of Chess, a documentary about me (January 27). ✈🌤 #Sundance2026 – I am coming!❤ #ChessConnectsUs #QueenOfChess #Sundance2026 #SundanceFilmFestival #SundancePremiere #Netflix #NetflixPremiere #DocumentaryFilm #TrueStories #IndieFilm #MoxiePictures #Honored #WorldPremiere #HumanStory #Socialimpact #InspiringStories.”
I am literally and figuratively flying to the world premiere of Queen of Chess, a documentary about me (January 27). ✈🌤 #Sundance2026 – I am coming!❤#ChessConnectsUs #QueenOfChess #Sundance2026 #SundanceFilmFestival #SundancePremiere #Netflix #NetflixPremiere… pic.twitter.com/wu0mwAG8yv
— Judit Polgar (@GMJuditPolgar) January 18, 2026
Netflix Official Confirmation of Release Date
Netflix provided further details on the film’s streaming rollout. The platform confirmed a February 6 premiere following Sundance, positioning it early in the 2026 slate.
Netflix said in X post,
“Queen of Chess, a new documentary from director Rory Kennedy, premieres February 6. A Hungarian girl dreams of conquering the male-dominated world of international chess. After a 15-year battle to topple the world champion, she’ll become one of the greatest chess players of all time.”
Queen of Chess, a new documentary from director Rory Kennedy, premieres February 6.
A Hungarian girl dreams of conquering the male-dominated world of international chess. After a 15-year battle to topple the world champion, she’ll become one of the greatest chess players of all… pic.twitter.com/B05hOb1VzD
— Netflix (@netflix) January 19, 2026
This aligns with Tudum’s report of a 2026 Netflix release, now specified as February 6. The announcement underscores the film’s theme of gender barriers in chess.
Judit Polgár’s Prodigy Achievements and Records
Queen of Chess centres on Polgár’s 13-year saga starting in 1989, before Searching for Bobby Fischer and The Queen’s Gambit. Netflix Tudum detailed her wins, petulant opponents, showdowns, and friendships against men doubting female chess prowess. She targeted Garry Kasparov, deemed by some the greatest player ever.
By age 12, Polgár ranked as world number one among females. At 15, she became the youngest grandmaster, eclipsing Fischer’s record. The film explores her evolution into adulthood, finding love, and redefining success after pioneering achievements.
Interviews feature Polgár in her 40s, her family, Kasparov, and chess professionals. This structure charts her from Hungarian prodigy to icon, raised in a genius experiment by her parents.
Director Rory Kennedy’s Vision and Themes
Rory Kennedy, Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning director, helms the project. As quoted by Tudum Staff of Netflix Tudum, Kennedy said, “We are living in a moment when so many people are still fighting for equal footing — Judit’s life shows what can happen when one person has the resolve to break through barriers.” She highlighted Sundance’s career significance with producer Mark Bailey, her husband.
The film’s central theme challenges gender assumptions in chess and talent. It portrays Polgár’s barrier-breaking resolve amid sexism, linking to broader equality fights. Kennedy aims to spotlight the greatest female chess player via Netflix’s global reach.
Production Team and Key Contributors
Producers Rory Kennedy, Mark Bailey, and Keven McAlester drive the film. Netflix Tudum credited Tudum Staff for the initial article. Moxie Pictures appears in Polgár’s tweet hashtags, indicating production involvement.
The cast includes Judit Polgár, her family members, Garry Kasparov, and unnamed chess pros. In-depth interviews form the narrative core, per Tudum. No actors portray roles; it relies on real participants.
Good Morning America Promotional Interview
Rory Kennedy and Judit Polgár discussed the film on Good Morning America on January 19, 2026. A 4:13 culture segment featured their talk on Polgár’s journey. Good Morning America titled it “Rory Kennedy, Judit Polgár talk ‘Queen of Chess’.”
This appearance coincided with a 1:59 trailer release at 7:30 pm on Netflix Tudum. The timing built Sundance hype, following the December announcement.
Historical Context of Polgár’s Chess Battles
In 1989, 12-year-old Polgár challenged male supremacy in chess. Tudum reported her focus on Kasparov, leading to dramatic clashes over 15 years. The film documents wins against top players and evolving friendships.
Polgár’s records include youngest grandmaster at 15 in 1991. Queen of Chess connects her story to chess culture, predating modern popularity surges. It emphasises her toppling of world champion barriers.
Sundance Film Festival Role and Logistics
The January 27 world premiere at Sundance 2026 launches the film. Polgár’s tweet confirms her attendance, using hashtags like #SundancePremiere and #WorldPremiere. Kennedy noted the festival’s personal history.
Sundance’s indie focus suits the documentary’s human story and social impact themes. Post-premiere, Netflix streams from February 6, per official post.
Netflix Platform Integration and Marketing
Queen of Chess integrates into Netflix’s 2026 lineup alongside WWE Royal Rumble and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. Tudum categorised it under documentary and news, with trailer access. Netflix Shop and podcasts support promotion.
The February 6 date positions it early post-Sundance. Tudum promises release updates, tying to Top 10 trackers and new content guides.
Film Runtime, Rating, and Accessibility
The documentary runs 1h 35m with a 10+ rating, suitable for broad audiences. Netflix title details confirm chess phenom focus on Polgár vs Kasparov and sexism. Trailer emphasises her all-time great status.
Themes of opportunity and gender extend accessibility. Polgár’s story inspires via true events, per hashtags like #InspiringStories.
Broader Netflix Documentary Ecosystem
Queen of Chess joins Stranger Things documentaries and others in 2026. Tudum news from January 17-19 covers similar projects. Promotion mirrors high-profile docs with trailers and TV spots.
Netflix’s global reach amplifies Polgár’s tale, as Kennedy noted. It fits Tudum’s what-to-watch and trending sections.
Cast and Interviewee Contributions
Key figures include Judit Polgár as central subject. Garry Kasparov provides rival perspective. Family members detail the genius experiment. Chess pros offer context on her impact.
No scripted cast; real voices drive authenticity. Interviews span Polgár’s youth triumphs to current reflections.
Thematic Depth on Gender and Success
The film explores evolving success definitions. Tudum reports Polgár’s post-records life: love, independence, barrier impacts. It ties 1989 origins to modern equality struggles.
Kennedy’s quote frames resolve against assumptions. Hashtags #ChessConnectsUs and #Socialimpact reinforce unity and change themes.
Promotional Trailer and Visuals
A 1:59 trailer dropped January 19 at 7:30 pm on Tudum. It highlights Polgár’s battles, aligning with Netflix’s post. Good Morning America embedded video promotion.
Visuals capture chess drama, per descriptions. Sundance screening on January 27 follows.
Source Verification Across Outlets
Facts stem from Netflix Tudum by Tudum Staff (December 19, 2025), Good Morning America (January 19, 2026), and official X posts. Tudum provides quotes, dates, records. GMA confirms interview.
Tweets from Judit Polgár and Netflix verify premiere (January 27) and stream date (February 6). Attributions name Tudum Staff precisely. No conflicts exist.
Upcoming Release Timeline Summary
January 27: Sundance world premiere. February 6: Netflix streaming debut. Ongoing: Trailer views, interviews. Tudum updates track progress.
Polgár’s flight post signals immediate travel. Netflix’s slate integrates seamlessly.
Legacy of Judit Polgár in Chess History
Polgár’s achievements redefine female potential. Queen of Chess documents her toppling male champions, per Netflix post. Her story spans 15 years to greatness.
The film ensures her spotlight, as Kennedy intends. Sundance and Netflix maximise reach.