“Queen of Katwe” Is The Must See Movie of The Fall! #PetesDragonEvent #QueenOfKatwe

Queen of Katwe a stunning movie that will hopefully get everyone to rethink and appreciate their own lives. This true story of a poverty stricken young woman growing up in the African slums, who through several strokes of luck, ends up in a make shift chess class, is the must see movie of the season. It is graphic, it is inspiring, and it is hopeful.

“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from 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 from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o 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. 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.

My immediate thought when previewing this movie for Disney last month, was that every middle school student (and every student) in America should see this as part of their curriculum. Our children need to see what a real life struggle looks like. And they also need to see how far one can go if they have the right circumstances. There is no excuse for anyone not to succeed after they see how far this impoverished child, from the slums of Africa, gets with grit, determination, and natural abilities. By the end I was sobbing with happiness to see how much she accomplished, in the movie, and this in real life! Madina Nalwanga and David Oyelowo are incredible:

And this is a real life story. The premiere happened last week, so this is not a spoiler: when the movie finishes, we see the actors with the real life people they portrayed. It is possible I sobbed for a bit. Here are Phiona Mutesi and her coach, Robert Katende:

This is a must see movie for everyone, it just opened in select theaters and opens all over this weekend!

Disclosure: Disney invited me on this press trip and paid all of my expenses. No other compensation was received. All opinions are always 100% my own and honest.

Here is the full trailer: