Queen of Katwe

“If there is anyone out there capable of remaining unmoved by this true-life triumph-of-the-underdog sports story, I don’t think I want to meet that person”
A. O. Scott (The NY Times)

“A biographical drama, based on a true story, that vibrates with more colors—emotional as well as visual than I can name”
Joe Morgenstern (Wall Street Journal)

“When the triumph over adversity story is as well told as this, it’s always a pleasure to hear it again”
Olly Richards (Empire)

Directed by Mira Nair ("Monsoon Wedding") 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.

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, she quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments. 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.

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