Being in LA last month still feels like a dream. I cannot believe that I was in the same room and spoke with several fantastic and talented actors and the director of The Jungle Book. Meeting the dynamic and soulful Lupita Nyong’o was one of the highlights from that trip, ‘Exclusive Interview with The Jungle Book Cast: Lupita Nyong’o and Giancarlo Esposito‘. Aside from her stunning fashion sense, Lupita’s overall passion for life and her art were truly inspiring. During our interview, she mentioned one of her latest films, Disney’s Queen of Katwe. This is the vibrant true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. As a result of the support she receives from her family and community, she is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
The powerful film stars is directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, and stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 15: President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey took part today in “Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Sean Bailey
The story introduces 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family. They live in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, where life 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. One day, Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, and she is captivated.
The game of chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking. These are 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 that 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. Unfortunately Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, because she does not want 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 real chance to excel so she teams up with Katende to help her daughter fulfill her extraordinary potential and escape a life of poverty.
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QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters on September 23rd!
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