Have you heard about Disney’s upcoming movie QUEEN OF KATWE yet? I first heard about this inspirational movie nearly a year ago during my JUNGLE BOOK interview with the very talented (and beautiful) Lupita Nyong’o. [Link to “Exclusive JUNGLE BOOK Interview with: Lupita Nyong’o and Giancarlo Esposito]. Lupita mentioned her maternal role in QUEEN of KATWE, and I have been eagerly anticipating the movie ever since! THEN, a few days ago this trailer popped up, giving us a mere taste of the hopeful journey that this story will take us on – when we allow ourselves to “Dream”.
Disney has released photos of Phiona Mutesi and her coach Robert Katende with the mirror images of the actors who play them on screen, Madina Nalwanga and David Oyelowo in the new movie QUEEN OF KATWE as well as a new TV Spot highlighting the improbable journey to become a champion.
The film also stars Lupita Nyong’o and is directed by Mira Nair. QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda who is introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende, a former missionary and soccer coach, and goes on to become an international chess champion.
Disney has created several heartfelt inspirational movies in the past, like THE FINEST HOURS (2016), MCFARLAND, USA (2015), and MILLION DOLLAR ARM (2014). I am pretty sure that QUEEN OF KATWE will be just as incredible a story. I was even more moved when my 6th grade daughter sat up and took interest in Phiona’s life as well.
We are very excited to see this movie in September!
Like QUEEN OF KATWE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenOfKatwe/
Follow QUEEN OF KATWE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/queenofkatwe
QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters in limited release on September 23rd and everywhere on September 30th!
10-year old, Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family struggle in the impoverished slum life of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to care for her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. Then Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess. She is spell-bound. Chess requires a serious concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking – all the basic skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game.
Phiona is captivated by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her. Harriet is initially reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed.
As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling as well. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family.
Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2016.