“Tough Moves” is picking up momentum on the international festival circuit with several exciting selections coming up this spring and summer.

The journey begins in the U.S., where “Tough Moves” will make its New York debut at the NYU Sports Film Festival, held at the iconic Angelika Film Center in Manhattan. Taking place April 25–26, the festival celebrates the intersection of sport and cinema.

Just a day later, the film returns to its roots with a screening at the Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival in Potsdam, one of Europe’s most renowned showcases for emerging filmmakers. It will screen at Waschaus Potsdam on April 26 at 11:30 AM, followed by a Q&A with the team.

Looking ahead to summer, “Tough Moves” travels to Bulgaria for the In The Palace International Short Film Festival (June 27–30), a prestigious Oscar®-qualifying event. The team couldn’t be more grateful for the journey so far!

„Tough Moves“ is a short documentary directed by Jakob Michal and produced by Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF. The film follows 13-year-old chessboxer Arminius Rolle and his family as they prepare for the German Chessboxing Championship. It was shot in February 2024 and premiered at the 18th Short Film Festival Cologne in November 2024. Click here to find out more about the film.

The documentary short „Tough Moves“ directed by Jakob Michal and produced by Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF will be shown at the international documentary film festival FIPADOC held in Biarritz between January 24 and February 1, 2025. The film has been selected in the “New Talent” section as well as a special programme for schools of the region entitled “SHORT Streams”.

„Tough Moves“ is a short documentary about 13-year-old chessboxer Arminius Rolle. The film follows him and his family as they prepare for the German Chessboxing Championship. It was shot in February 2024 and premiered at the 18th Short Film Festival Cologne in November 2024. Click here to find out more about the film.

On the final evening of the Short Film Festival Cologne 2024 the documentary short “Tough Moves” directed by Jakob Michal and produced by Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF received an honorable mention from the jury. The entire team would like to thank Berta Valin Escofet, Jan Krämer and Seyda Kurt for this special recognition. They also wish to thank everybody who came to see the film as well as the many organisers who made the festival possible.

“Tough Moves” is a short documentary about 13-year-old chessboxer Arminius Rolle. The film follows him and his family as they prepare for the German Chessboxing Championship. It was shot in February 2024 and completed later that year.