It's no secret that I love books and movies, especially ones that are based on true-life stories that are uplifting and inspiring. Queen of Katwe is one such movie that I am looking forward to seeing in theaters September 23, 2016!
Trailer:
Interviews with Lupita Nyong’o & David Oyelowo:
No compensation was received for this post. All photos and info. provided by Walt Disney Studios and used with permission.

“Queen
of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on
the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly
changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result
of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled
with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of
becoming an international chess champion.
Directed
by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler
(“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is
produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (“The Darjeeling Limited”) and John Carls
(“Where the Wild Things Are”) with Will Weiske
and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden
Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Oscar® winner and Tony Award®
nominee Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) and newcomer Madina
Nalwanga.
For
10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the
impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a
constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely
determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling
vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a
roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo),
a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she
is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic
thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday
life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with
the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game
requires and immediately shows potential.
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QUEEN OF KATWE / Disney© 2016 |
Recognizing Phiona’s natural
aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her
mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet
is 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. 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.
This movie has so many great universal themes and lessons for the whole family to watch together. I love how it focuses on dreaming big and going for your dreams! It also can open up great conversations with your older kids about other countries and cultures.
Interviews with Lupita Nyong’o & David Oyelowo:
Follow Queen of Katwe #QueenofKatwe
No compensation was received for this post. All photos and info. provided by Walt Disney Studios and used with permission.
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