“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.
Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S.
theaters on September 23, 2016.
HSN has partnered up with Soular Backpaks to honor the spirit of Queen of Katwe. For every Soular Backpack purchased, a solar-powered backpack is given
to a child in Africa to help study at night. Currently, children are
using kerosene lamps, which can cause health
complications. Soular Backpacks use natural energy from the sun during a
child’s walk home from school. Make a difference today:
http://gohsn.co/gh6NNz
Like QUEEN OF KATWE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenOfKatwe/
Follow
QUEEN OF KATWE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/queenofkatwe
Visit the official
QUEEN OF KATWE website here:
http://movies.disney.com/queen-of-katwe
QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters in
limited release on September 23rd and everywhere on September 30th!
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