Queen of Katwe — Trailer

source:   youtube.com

added: Tue, May 10th '16

Disney has released the first trailer for "Queen of Katwe," the upcoming big-screen adaptation of author Tim Crothers' inspirational novel, starring Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) and David Oyelowo (Selma) and introducing Madina Nalwanga.

The film is based on the incredible true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, played by newcomer Nalwanga. Nyong'o plays the mother of the young gifted African girl, who ends up lifting herself out of the slums of Uganda after learning to play the game of chess from a war refugee-turned-missionary (Oyelowo). While striving to become a chess grandmaster, Phiona eventually competes for the national chess title, earning a chance to win the championship for her country.

Mira Nair, the acclaimed helmer of "The Namesake," "Monsoon Wedding," and "Salaam Bombay," directs the film from an adapted screenplay by William Wheeler (The Hoax, Showtime's Ray Donovan).

"Queen of Katwe" opens in theaters September 23rd.

synopsis:
For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Lupita 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 (David 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.

 

directed by   Mira Nair

starring   Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo

release date   September 23, 2016

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