Disney’s Queen of Katwe will open in U.S. 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. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life.

As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. Robert (David Oyelowo) tries to tell Nakku (Lupita Nyong'o) that she can be the best chess player in Uganda. 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. Watch the clip titled 'Eight Moves' for the film Queen of Katwe (2016). Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. 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.

When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. 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. The film stars David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.įor 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. The trailer for “Queen of Katwe” has hit the web.ĭirected by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher and John Carls with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers.

Trailer for queen of katwe