She also helps care for her baby brother. [22][23] The film was shot in the Katwe slums in Kampala, Uganda and in Johannesburg, South Africa. They were Nair's first choices for the roles. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende at a missionary program. A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing … Published by ESPN in 2012, it was optioned that same year by Walt Disney Pictures. The royalties from the book and movie have provided Mutesi and her family much more financial security than they have ever enjoyed. A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess, in this celebration of the human spirit. The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Queen of Katwe was screened at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. The website's critical consensus states: "Queen of Katwe is a feel-good movie of uncommon smarts and passion, and Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo's outstanding performances help elevate the film past its cliches. Queen of Katwe is a 2016 American biographical drama feature film directed by Mira Nair and written by William Wheeler. And so to go there and to have t… The children in the film were brilliant and all the cast gave good performances. This FAQ is empty. 21 of 30 people found this review helpful. She also helps care for her baby brother. The struggles of life in Katwe are ever present and Phiona hopes that chess will provide a means of escape from Katwe for her and her family. [15] Nair filmed a short high-concept and presented it to Disney, to alleviate the studio's concerns about the film being entirely set in Africa.[15]. A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess. Phiona is a pre-teen girl living in Katwe, a desperately poor slum neighborhood in Kampala, Uganda.Into this slum comes Robert Katende (Oyelowo), who works for a Catholic mission. [5] Starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, and Madina Nalwanga, the film depicts the life of Phiona Mutesi, a girl living in Katwe, a slum of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Maurice Kirya and Ntare Mwine have supporting roles as Theo[10] and Tendo, respectively. She becomes fascinated with it and soon becomes a top player in the group under Katende's guidance. The film then proceeds to trace the ups and downs of success at competitions and tournaments for Phiona and her fellow Pioneers. Help us improve this page. Katende coaches soccer and teaches children to play chess at a local center. Robert is an engineer by profession specializing in Civil, IT & Computer engineering. Disney presents QUEEN OF KATWE, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo, and directed by Mira Nair. Describing the film, Nyong'o said: "This is a story about the commitment to a dream even in the most discouraging of situations. Curious, Phiona approaches and learns the game. [42], Queen of Katwe opened on September 23 as a limited release in the United States, with an estimated Friday total of $82,000 averaging $1,577 per screen across 52 selected theaters. Follow the link… Contact Us. [43], African-American Film Critics Association, Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Actor, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Director, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Production Design, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Costume Design, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, "David Oyelowo & Lupita Nyong'o In Talks To Star In 'Queen Of Katwe' For Disney", "Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo star in the new trailer for Queen of Katwe", "David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o in Talks for Disney's 'Queen of Katwe, "Why Lupita Nyong'o, Not Superheroes, Represents the Future of Disney", "Toronto To Open With 'The Magnificent Seven'; 'La La Land', 'Deepwater Horizon' Among Galas & Presentations", "Disney's David Oyelowo Drama, 'Queen of Katwe,' Gets Release Date", "Uganda's Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa dies aged 15", "Uganda: Maurice Kirya to Star Alongside Lupita Nyong'o in Queen of Katwe", "From slum life to Disney film: Ugandan teen chess star 'the ultimate underdog, "Tendo Nagenda Named Executive VP of Production at Disney", "The Inside Story Behind Disney's 'Radical' Queen of Katwe", "Queen of Katwe: Watch Phiona gets the best of her chess partner in first match", "Queen of Katwe: Expanding What a Disney Film Can Be", "Queen of Katwe: The return of Lupita Nyong'o", "David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o talk Oscars diversity and 'Queen of Katwe, "With 'A United Kingdom' and 'Queen of Katwe,' David Oyelowo continues his mission of inclusion", "Disney could be looking at Oscar buzz for 'transcendent' film Queen of Katwe", "Disney unveils first look at Lupita Nyong'o in The Queen of Katwe", "Lupita Nyong'o Is Filming Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' Chess Biopic In Uganda With David Oyelowo", "Lupita Nyong'o Sets New York Stage Debut In Public Theater's 'Eclipsed, "From Kampala, with love – Director Mira Nair on her new film, the challenge of shooting chess and making a film in what has been her home for the last 27 years", "Meet Tendo Nagenda: Disney Exec and Mastermind behind 'Queen of Katwe, "Alex Heffes to Score Mira Nair's 'Queen of Katwe, "Queen of Katwe story inspired Alicia Keys to write a new song", "Queen of Katwe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)", "Queen of Katwe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Deluxe Edition]", "TIFF 2016: Magnificent Seven, Loving, and More Announced for Festival Lineupl", "Cast and Crew Celebrate 'Queen of Katwe' as "a Love Letter to Uganda" at Disney Film's Premiere", "Lupita Nyong'o's 'Queen of Katwe' to Make European Debut at London Film Festival", "Queen of Katwe Is a Bright and Inspiring Success – Mira Nair has returned to form with this piquant Disney movie", "AMAA 2017: Akin Omotoso's Vaya grabs ten nominations, Queen of Katwe, '76 get eight", "Black Reel Award Nominees – 'Moonlight' Leads with 13 Nominations", "La La Land Leads with 12 Nominations for the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards", "Evening Standard British Film Awards – The Longlist", "NAACP Image Awards: Nate Parker & Donald Glover Lead Film & TV Noms; Beyonce Tops Field", "Ewan McGregor, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Fassbender, Shana Swash, & Daniel Radcliffe lead National Film Awards UK 2017", "TIFF People's Choice Award cements La La Land in Oscar race—The festival also released its full list of winners", "Women Film Critics Circle Nominations: "Hidden Figures," "13th," & More", Interview with Phiona Mutesi and Robert Katende, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Queen_of_Katwe&oldid=999090945, Album articles lacking alt text for covers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, "Such Aggressiveness in a Girl Is a Treasure", Taryn "Kay" Kyaze as Night, Phiona's older sister, Nikita Pearl Waligwa as Gloria, Phiona's friend, This page was last edited on 8 January 2021, at 12:51. I met Mira Nair few years ago when she came to San Francisco for a film premiere. She and her younger brother help their mother sell maize in the market. Format Blu-ray. Disney presents Queen of Katwe, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, and directed by Mira Nair. The story of King Seretse Khama of Botswana and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams, put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil. (2016). Valentino Richard Kabenge interviews guests about an unforgettable memory or event that has taken place in their life. Add the first question. Phiona spends her days fetching water and selling maize to help her family until the day she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who's also the chess team coach in Phiona's Ugandan neighborhood. Disney presents Queen of Katwe, based on a vibrant true story and starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo. 72 talking about this. Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo star in a movie about life…and chess. Queen of Katwe (2016) Full Cast & Crew. "The Queen of Katwe is an extraordinary account of one young woman’s exceptional achievement. Living in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona, her mother Nakku Harriet and younger members of her family. $22.99. Queen of Katwe is a true story instead of a fictional story. Phiona returns to Katwe, dejected and doubting her abilities. The characters were really believable and the acting was excellent. However, with the support of Coach Katende and the people of Katwe, she returns to chess, ultimately succeeding to the extent that she can purchase a home for her family. Nikita Pearl Waligwa played Gloria, a friend of the protagonist Phiona, who explained the rules of chess An actress who starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a … It has beauty and barbarity side-by-side. QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the story of 10-year-old international chess champion Phiona Mutesi (newcomer Madina Nalwanga). The film was entirely shot in Uganda and South Africa. Disney’s Queen of Katwe remains within the tradition of unintentional Christian filmmaking that prefers subtle nuances and unspoken demonstrations of conviction over tired clichés, recycled tropes, wooden characters, and soap-boxy platitudes positing overly simplistic answers to the complexities of life lived in a fallen world. Estelle. Was this review helpful to you? He and his wife Sarah have three daughters, Mercy, Hope and Queen. Now on Blu-ray, Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere: di.sn/60048GUNC About this item. “Queen of Katwe” follows the journey of a girl from poor township in Uganda to becoming a champion chess player. "There are plenty of authentic Ugandan needle drop tracks in the film to set the scene so the score could concentrate more on the music story telling. It is based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga). Queen of Katwe [13], In January 2015, David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o were cast as Robert Katende and Harriet Mutesi, respectively. [43] It opened on wide release on September 30 to 1,242 screens, and went on to gross $2.5 million in the first week. QUEEN OF KATWE is a touching, uplifting story with strong Christian faith and positive moral messages that will inspire families and children everywhere. Now on Blu-ray, Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere: di.sn/60048GUNC She becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player in the group under Katende's guidance. However, their talent wins the day and Phiona comes in first place. A sports agent stages an unconventional recruitment strategy to get talented Indian cricket players to play Major League Baseball. View production, box office, & company info, Rated PG for thematic elements, an accident scene and some suggestive material, At 143:45 Robert looks across the table at Fiona, ‘Insecure’ Star Yvonne Orji to Develop Disney Plus Comedy Series With David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey Producing, ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and 5 Other Books About Chess Prodigies, Fascination With Kamala Harris Could Attract U.S. "[17][18] Oyelowo immediately accepted the role, seeing the film as a "subversive work", given the lack of diversity in contemporary American cinema. [33] Disney held the corporate premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on September 20,[34] with another screening at the Urban World Festival on September 22. A big congrats to Mira Nair for a good film. [2], The musical score for Queen of Katwe was composed by Alex Heffes. [39] On November 12, it was screened at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and at the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival on the 24th. For a Disney production, it is surprisingly grounded in its earthy tone and its harsh realities of poverty. She and her younger brother help their mother sell maize in the market. [5][21], Principal photography began in April 2015. QUEEN OF KATWE is a powerful drama about a pre-adolescent girl living in the slums of Uganda, who gets a new lease on life after becoming a master chess player. Queen of Katwe is a 2016 film from Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Mira Nair.It stars David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, and Madina Nalwanga.. "[13] In January 2015, Disney studio chairman Alan F. Horn greenlit the film into production for US$15 million. Its really beautiful to experience another culture and I was very happy to experience Uganda. If you make smart moves you can stay away from danger, but you know any bad decision could be your last. Shipping & Returns. [40][41], Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released the film on Blu-ray and DVD on January 31, 2017, with a digital release on January 10. He grew up in the Slums of […] A brilliant but troubled New Zealand chess champion finds purpose by teaching underprivileged children about the rules of chess and life. Living in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), her mother Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong'o) and younger members of her family. A prepubescent chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer. [48] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale. The 15-year-old Ugandan dancer was cast as Phiona. [29] A soundtrack album was released on September 23 by Walt Disney Records. Queen of Katwe is authentic and pure moviemaking. Details. Disney was very open to wanting to tell an aspirational story about someone from someplace that is not at all familiar to Western audiences ... this could really fit into one of the things that they do very well – which is telling sports underdog stories and finding the ways the story naturally intersects with that genre of film. Starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, and Madina Nalwanga, the film depicts the life of Phiona Mutesi, a girl living in Katwe, a slum of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. [6], Adapted from an ESPN magazine article and book by Tim Crothers, the film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and ESPN Films. Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. Queen of Katwe is a 2016 American biographical drama feature film[4] directed by Mira Nair and written by William Wheeler. Queen of Katwe takes this one step further, bringing the actual people onto the screen to stand side by side with the actors who played them, and saying where they are today. She understands how to portray her emotions in front of the camera. She also helps care for her baby brother. And she won enough tournaments that she attracted the attention of ESPN journalist Tim … "[28], Alicia Keys wrote and recorded the song "Back to Life" for the film; it was released on September 1, 2016 by RCA Records. She learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her victories at World Chess Olympiads. The casting search lasted from July to December 2014 and the production team auditioned nearly 700 girls. She learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her victories at World Chess Olympiads. Gladys Oyenbot and Rehema Nanfuka play minor roles as a shopkeeper and a nurse, respectively. Queen of Katwe (Theatrical Version) (713) IMDb 7.4 2 h 4 min 2016 PG Disney presents Queen of Katwe, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. Watch the documentary of Robert Katende, “A Fork, A Spoon and a Knight” directed by Mira Nair. Queen of Katwe. Queen of Katwe: Exclusive Cast and Director Interview Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo talk about the inspiring experience of filming their new movie, 'Queen of Katwe.' Mutesi is portrayed by Madina Nalwanga. 5 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews. Unfolds the poignant story of three women and their search for justice from the daily plight of sexual harassment in Egypt. [25] Most professional Ugandan actors settled for roles as extras, including Gladys Oyenbot who acted as Lupita's stand-in double. [24] Nair set up an acting boot camp to help prepare the children for their scenes. A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess, in this celebration of the human spirit. Box 11855 Set during the Cold War, American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer finds himself caught between two superpowers and his own struggles as he challenges the Soviet Empire. The slum of Katwe is a very difficult place to live, but you see these people living there with dignity and making it day by day. The Queen of Katwe to be released in September . The story is choreographed into a dance and the guest performs it to find a sense of healing at the end. A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess, in this celebration of the human spirit. P (434) 582-4707. [12] With executive approval from studio president Sean Bailey,[13] Nagenda went to visit Mira Nair at her Ugandan home to recruit her to direct a film about Mutesi. Katende coaches soccer and teaches children to play chess at a local center. The official trailer of the Disney Queen of Katwe has been released! “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. Q&A. However, the competition proves too tough, and she yields to her Canadian opponent. "[47] On Metacritic, the film has a normalized rating of 73 out of 100 based on reviews from 40 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Director Mira Nair decided to adapt The Queen of the Katwebook into a film after making a documentary about the life of the man who trained Phiona Mutesi, Robert Katende. The group initially finds itself ill at ease among the other participants and the more affluent surroundings. [26], Nair and cinematographer Sean Bobbitt used different visual approaches for the various matches which Mutesi plays. Phiona leads the Uganda team at the Chess Olympiad in Russia, confident that she will succeed in becoming a Grand Master, securing the necessary finances to lift her family from poverty. She and her younger brother help their mother sell maize in the market. Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who appeared in the 2016 Disney film "Queen of Katwe," was 15. Visit Us. It is also a lament for this world in which only a tiny number of incredibly fortunate and exceptionally determined children have any chance of escaping the dehumanizing poverty that prevails in Katwe … "[14], Mira Nair met with Mutesi, her mother Harriet, and the chess group run by coach Robert Katende. She was very nice and sweet lady. Many of … More than one hundred Ugandans were hired as extras for the street scenes; eighty had no prior experience with cameras. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) at a missionary program. A Ugandan girl's life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess in this celebration of the human spirit. Shop all Disney. [37] The film had its European debut at the 2016 BFI London Film Festival on October 9. Queen of Katwe confronts the uncomfortable possibility, feared by Phiona’s mother Harriet, that, by broadening her horizons and showing her … The cinematography captures the true colors and life in a slum of Uganda, Africa. Mira Nair directs her actors with great skill and confidence which is visible on the screen. 2306 Bedford Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503-2701 Mail Us. E info@sportsoutreach.net. Her coach, over the initial opposition of the local chess authorities, takes her and the team to a national school level tournament at a prestigious local school. [19][20] Nair said that finding an actress to play Phiona was the most difficult. Here is another beautiful film by Mira Nair who made 'Monsoon Wedding'. [38] Another screening was held at the Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico on October 22. 63 talking about this. [7] The film had a limited release in the United States on September 23, 2016, before a general theatrical release on September 30.[8]. I love any story about people who make something from what appears to be nothing. By the opening weekend, it earned $304,933 averaging $5,864 per screen. Blu-ray A green circle with a white checkmark in the center. [45][46] Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approval rating of 93% based on 184 reviews and an average rating of 7.42/10. He happens to be ethnic Ugandan. [44], Queen of Katwe received positive reviews from critics, with David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o's performances receiving unanimous praise. Specifications. Mutesi attended premieres of the film in Toronto, Canada (September 10), Hollywood, California (September 20), and Kampala, Uganda (October 1). But it’s also a story told from a female perspective and a female-empowered point-of-view. Robert Katende is 30+ years old. Directed by (1) Writing credits (2) Cast (73) Produced by (7) Music by (1) Cinematography by (1) Film Editing by (1) Casting By (1) Production Design by (1) Art Direction by (4) Set Decoration by (4) Costume Design by (1) Makeup Department (12) Ex-felon, Eugene Brown, establishes a Chess Club for inner city teenagers in Washington, D.C. A stressed father, a bride-to-be with a secret, a smitten event planner, and relatives from around the world create much ado about the preparations for an arranged marriage in India. Curious, Phiona approaches and learns the game. The chess scenes were complicated because the call sheet contained actual chess moves. Nair and editor Barry Brown cut the scenes to create some drama. Wheeler believed that the film could fit within the Disney tradition of films about "underdog" sports stories, noting that: "we were trying to ... gently expand the idea of what a 'Disney film' could be. Nair was captivated by the story, stating, "I have always been surrounded by these local stories but hadn’t done anything in Uganda since 1991. The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the Supreme Court's historic 1967 decision. Madina Nalwanga's acting was very convincing and true to her heart. Queen of Katwe. The Queen Of Katwe She got a scholarship so she could go back to school. P.O. Check out our editors' picks for the movies and shows we're excited about this month, like Mortal Kombat, "Them," and Stowaway. [11] Tendo Nagenda, Walt Disney Studios' senior creative executive, developed the project into production. Title: [24] Production wrapped in June 2015 after 54 days of shooting. DVD A green circle with a white checkmark in the center. 3 3 ratings. [27] "It's a very thematic and gentle score that is more orchestral than something like Roots, although it's set in Africa," said Heffes. She invited screenwriter William Wheeler to come to Kampala to conduct interviews with the principal figures as a foundation for a screenplay. In his review A.O. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Audiences to ‘A Suitable Boy,’ Says Mira Nair (Exclusive), Family Friendly Movie and TV Picks For Spring, IMDb Picks: Movies and TV Shows About Influential Women in History, Inspirational Women's History Sports Biopics, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Kate Hudson/David Oyelowo/De La Soul feat. Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo star in a movie about life…and chess. Katende, who was present at the shoot, designed the games, while Nair and Bobbitt worked on each shot. A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess. Tim Crothers wrote The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster, which chronicled Phiona Mutesi's life. [35] The African premieres were held in Kampala on October 1[36] and Johannesburg on October 5. Waligwa starred in the 2016 Disney film "Queen of Katwe," a biographical film about Ugandan chess player Phiona Mutesi, who came from the slums to be one of the top players in the world. [15] The casting director found Madina Nalwanga in a community dance class. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Disney presents Queen of Katwe, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, and directed by Mira Nair. Use the HTML below. [30], Queen of Katwe had its world premiere at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10. Nyong'o said that she had decided to play the part after reading the script's first ten pages, saying "It was the first time I felt really awakened by a script and super challenged. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Weekend Ticket: The Magnificent Seven, Storks, Queen of Katwe Some scenes were heartbreaking and moving. Living in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona, her mother Nakku Harriet and younger members of her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende at a missionary program. Queen of Katwe (2016) Starring Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, Madina Nalwanga | based on the book ' The Queen of Katwe ' by Tim Crothers Chess is a lot like my life. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life. 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