From Cold Email to Chess Champion: Bianca Mitchell-Avila’s Journey with Keanu Reeves in “Madwoman’s Game”

From Cold Email to Chess Champion: Bianca Mitchell-Avila’s Journey with Keanu Reeves

Pomona, CA — In a remarkable tale of ambition and serendipity, Bianca Mitchell-Avila, now 21, has turned a childhood dream into reality. At just 16, she cold-emailed Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves, seeking his support for her chess documentary, Madwoman’s Game. Fast forward five years, and the young filmmaker not only premiered her documentary at the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival but also triumphed over Reeves in a live chess match.

On Thursday, the atmosphere was electric as Mitchell-Avila faced off against the star of The Matrix and John Wick in a spirited on-stage chess battle. The audience erupted in laughter as Reeves, who admitted to being out of practice, theatrically lamented his losses. “I am a terrible chess player!” he quipped, before jokingly adding, “I just hate chess!”

Madwoman’s Game, directed by Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Zach Zamboni, chronicles Mitchell-Avila’s journey as she travels across the U.S., Mexico, and France to meet women whose lives have been shaped by chess. The documentary delves into themes of identity, mentorship, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of one’s passion.

The film began as a short project about Mitchell-Avila’s childhood chess club but evolved into a six-year coming-of-age story. It features prominent figures in the chess community, including Women’s Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade and International Master Rusudan Goletiani, while focusing on the personal experiences of women in the game.

Reeves joined the project as an executive producer in 2021 after being captivated by Mitchell-Avila’s heartfelt email. He became a mentor throughout the production, guiding her through the challenges of filmmaking. At the premiere, the two met for the first time, and their chemistry was palpable.

Mitchell-Avila, who learned chess from her father at the age of five, expressed her desire to empower young girls through her documentary. “I wanted to create something that was empowering, something that young girls could watch and see themselves in these women and be like, ‘Yes, I can do this too,’” she said.

The title Madwoman’s Game was inspired by her grandmother, who encouraged her to pursue chess in a male-dominated environment. “The queen is the most powerful piece on the board,” her grandmother would say, instilling in her the belief that she had a rightful place in the game.

Mitchell-Avila’s journey was not without its challenges. After feeling marginalized in middle school, she stepped away from chess until the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit reignited her passion. “I forgot how much I love this game,” she recalled.

The documentary not only highlights the struggles of women in chess but also emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Many of the women she interviewed became friends and mentors, creating a supportive community that transcended the film.

As the premiere concluded, Mitchell-Avila reflected on her journey, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities. “You get one life, one chance. It’s yours to take,” she advised. “If that’s chess, if that’s something else—whatever you are passionate about, you might as well live your life doing something you’re passionate about.”

With her documentary now making waves, Bianca Mitchell-Avila has proven that dreams can indeed come true, one chess move at a time.