ICFS Presents: The Mystery of Chess Boxing (1979)

Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to Ghost Face Killer! He shows up in the very first frame of this wildly fun feature, and you will understand immediately why the Wu Tang Clan embraced his legend! Directed by Joseph Kuo (“Swordsman of All Swordsmen,” “18 Bronzemen”), the remorseless Ghost Face Killer is a vicious villain with an unstoppable “Five Elements” fighting technique. On a mission to kill EACH AND EVERY ONE of his old rivals, he takes time out only to verbally insult each opponent before extinguishing their flame! Meanwhile, a young student gets taken under the wing of an old chess master from whom he hopes to also learn kung fu. Will the basics of chess prove to be the same as the basics of fighting? Will the master and student encounter Ghost Face Killer? Have you never seen a kung fu flick before?

Sourced from the only known 35mm print, this kung fu classic has finally become available digitally for giant screen theatrical presentation! “The Mystery of Chess Boxing” is not only a Wu Tang favorite, but it is also regarded as one of the must-see kung fu flicks of all time! English language version.

Not rated. 90 minutes.

PLUS! This screening will be preceded by “Check Please,” a fun new short from director Shane Chung. In “Check Please,” dinner for two turns deadly when a Korean and a Korean-American fight for the restaurant’s check – and their honor!

Speaking of honors, this film has received many:

• Best Director: BFI Future Film Festival 2025
• International Special Mention: BFI Future Film Festival 2025
• Best of Fest: Chicago Southland International Film Festival 2025
• Best Comedy: CineYouth 2025
• Audience Award: Best Short – Silicon Valley Asia Pacific Film Festival 2024