Ever since I interviewed the multi-talented Lupita Nyong’o during our exclusive Jungle Book Press Junket Event, I have been anxiously awaiting her bio-pic, “Queen of Katwe”. “Meet Lupita Nyong’o – Jungle Book Interview” During that interview, Lupita described her role as protective den mother in both movies. In “Queen of Katwe”, her character desperately works to support her family in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda.
Disney’s PG live-action picture tells the true story of 12-year old Phiona, who discovers her inner strength through the game of chess.
The powerful film 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.
For more information, check out:
“First Glimpse – Disney’s Queen of Katwe”
“Real Pictures of the Real People, behind the story: Queen of Katwe”
“Clips and More from Disney’s Inspirational Queen of Katwe”
“Family Movie Night, with Queen of Katwe Bonus Features”
Stella’s Mom Review: Disney’s Queen of Katwe (PG)
The movie paints a real picture of the family, and their determination to survive in their hopeless socio-economic situation. The cast and crew create a phenomenal and documentary-like experience. “Queen of Katwe” is a remarkable movie that I strongly suggest to most of my friends and family.
Unfortunately, I knew the story would be heart-wrenching, especially for my High-Functioning Autistic 12-year old daughter. There are many aspects of the movie that my daughter is interested in:
- a True Story about a girl her age
- day-to-day life in a different culture
- being inspired by a girl her age, who finds her inner strength
- watching the game of chess, train young minds to fulfill their dream
But the intense impoverished situation, and the daily struggles that the family endures for their basic needs, is difficult to watch. My daughter decided to watch the movie another time. She knew that depressed life would be overwhelming, and that she would not be able to focus on 12-year old Phiona’s journey as she grows in confidence and mindset.
I respect my daughter’s awareness, and I look forward to viewing “Queen of Katwe” at another time soon, so we can further discuss her understanding of cultural and economical differences, teenage prostitution, teenage pregnancy, chauvinistic boys, poverty, peer and adult mentoring, single moms, and literary license (fact vs fiction in story telling). Each one of those sub-topics are quality life-lessons, but all in one movie is a bit too much for many children to process.
For more information:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/QueenofKatwe
- Website: Disney.com/QueenofKatwe
- Twitter: Twitter.com/QueenofKatwe
- Instagram: Instagram.com/QueenofKatweMovie
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