Directed by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (The Hoax) based on the book by Tim Crothers, Queen of Katwe is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (The Darjeeling Limited) and John Carls (Where the Wild Things Are) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. Queen of Katwe is the colorful 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, 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. More about the film – Official Synopsis (Disney UK): Watch the trailer for The Queen of Katwe: The Queen of Katwe is out in UK cinemas on October 21st, in time for October half-term, and I can’t wait to take my 9 year old and her friends. Overall, it’s a beautiful and empowering film, and one I’d recommend for anyone of any age – although under 8 they may find the story hard to follow. The sweet spot for me is that tricky time around age 9 to 12 when ‘tween’ girls are just finding their way – this empowering film will show her that she really can do or be anything. While Phiona’s family deals with hardship and hunger, it’s not their fear that’s compelling but their strength and their ties to each other and their country. What makes the film really unique, though, is that it sheds a different light on Africa. While it’s perhaps not as gritty as real life in the developing world, it’s not polished or picture perfect – it’s the sort of film that’s real and evocative enough for the Katwe dust to stick in your throat, and for you to burst into a grin when Phiona wins her first game. After a rocky start, Phiona shows incredible talent – so much so that she goes on to become a chess champion.
Growing up in a Kampala shantytown, life is hard for 10 year old Phiona and her family. One day, she comes across a little chess club established by coach Robert Katende and, spotting her peering in through the doorway, he invites her to join. There is no prince, no baddie, no fairy godmother – just pure talent, ambition and drive, the support of an incredible mentor, and the love of a strong no-nonsense mother. A far cry from the sparkle and magic of your favourite Disney movies, The Queen of Katwe is set in the slums of Uganda, its heroine an illiterate and underprivileged young girl. The Queen of Katwe is an uplifting and heartwarming new movie, one which will perhaps take Disney fans by surprise.
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