Film at the Union: Computer Chess
Feb
24
2026
-
Andrew Bujalski -
Wiley Wiggins
Feb
24
2026
-
Andrew Bujalski
-
Wiley Wiggins
Description
Written and directed by Andrew Bujalski, “Computer Chess” is a singular, offbeat comedy-drama that transports viewers to the dawn of the digital age. Set over the course of a weekend tournament for chess software programmers more than 30 years ago, the film captures a nostalgic moment when the contest between technology and the human spirit still felt uncertain—and full of possibility.
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, “Computer Chess” went on to screen at major festivals including South by Southwest and the Maryland Film Festival after its release. Shot entirely on vintage analog video cameras, this black-and-white feature embraces its retro aesthetic as it introduces us to eccentric visionaries determined to teach a metal box to defeat man at his own game—laying the groundwork for artificial intelligence as we know it today, and as we will come to know it in the future.
- MPAA rating: This film is not rated and includes brief nudity and adult subject matter.
- Prior to the screening, consider attending The Origins of Inspiration, a discussion with filmmaker Andrew Bujalski and his wife, author Karen Olsson. Registration is required to attend.
Schedule:
- 6:00 pm Doors open for seating
- 6:30 pm Welcome and remarks from director Andrew Bujalski and actor Wiley Wiggins
- 7:00 pm Computer Chess screening
About the Speakers
-
Andrew Bujalski
Writer and Director
Andrew Bujalski has written and directed seven feature films. His first, Funny Ha Ha, was cited by the New York Times as one of the most influential movies of the ...
Andrew Bujalski has written and directed seven feature films. His first, Funny Ha Ha, was cited by the New York Times as one of the most influential movies of the ’00s. Computer Chess was featured in the 2014 Whitney Biennial, and Results was acquired for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Support the Girls appeared on Barack Obama’s list of favorite movies of 2018. Outside of his independent film work, Bujalski has worked as a professional screenwriter, director, installation artist and occasionally teacher and essayist.
-
Wiley Wiggins
Actor
Wiley Wiggins is an artist and researcher working with digital games and playful media. His multifaceted career includes roles as an actor, animator, interaction designer and board member of the ...Wiley Wiggins is an artist and researcher working with digital games and playful media. His multifaceted career includes roles as an actor, animator, interaction designer and board member of the Juegos Rancheros arts nonprofit. He produced the Fantastic Arcade international games festival in Austin. Wiggins also holds an MFA in Design and Media Art from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied as a resident of the UCLA Game Lab.
Location
Texas Union Theatre
2308 Whitis Ave.
Parking: San Antonio Garage