Queen of Katwe preview was provided by the Disney Company; all opinions are my own.
Disney’s newest film, Queen of Katwe, is based on the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi. She’s a young girl growing up on the streets of Kampala, Uganda. Her life is changed when she meets Robert Katende, a former missionary who’s taken on the challenge of teaching the local children the game of chess at a makeshift church. It’s here that Phiona discovers she has a natural talent for the game and within two years, at the age of sixteen, she wins the title of Woman Candidate Master. This prestigious title is the first step in the quest toward becoming a Grand Master.
Disney shares her heartwarming story and accomplishments as well as the relationship between her and her coach. In anticipation of the film’s September 23rd release date, Disney has provided several photos from Rober Katende’s personal collection of Phiona and the events leading up to her win. Disney has also provided production stills to show the difference between the real story and the Disney version.
“Queen of Katwe” Real life vs Film
Robert Katende was a recent college graduate and soccer coach for Sports Outreach Ministry who ran a chess program for impoverished children in the slums of Kampala when he first met Phiona Mutesi. As Phiona’s coach, mentor, and father figure, Katende was instrumental in helping her pursue her dreams and become the champion she was destined to be. Today he is married with three children and houses several of his chess students while simultaneously serving as the Director of Sports Outreach in Kampala and running 300 chess programs throughout Uganda.Photo Credit: Robert Katende
David Oyelowo as Robert Katende and Madina Nalwanga as Phiona Mutesi in Disney’s Queen of Katwe.
David Oyelowo and Madina Nalwanga in the film Queen of Katwe
Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi at Robert’s chess program – Photo Credit: Robert Katende
Madina Nalwanga (left) as Phiona Mutesi in “Queen of Katwe.”
Phiona Mutesi (left) the young girl the film “Queen of Katwe” is based on.
Madina Nalwanga (holding trophy) as Phiona Mutesi
Phiona Mutesi (right, green shirt), Robert Katende (back row center) – The people behind the real story told in Disney’s “Queen of Katwe.”
Disney obviously made some changes from the real-life look to make it pop on film. It’s how the movie’s director Mira Nair wanted the place where she’s had a home for over two decades presented. Perhaps the most notable change are the hats which aren’t found in any of the original photos that several of the children wore throughout the film in addition to the vastly more colorful clothing worn by the characters in the movie.
But the minor changes didn’t detract from the story. In fact, I was left with a warm feeling as I left the theater because of the stunning colors and textures captured by the cinematography. It’s life, only brightened and sharpened a bit.
Plan to see Queen of Katwe when it opens in theaters September 23, 2016.
QUEEN OF KATWE – DISNEY STUDIOS
- Connect online: Facebook | Twitter
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: PG
- U.S. Release Date: September 23, 2016
- Cast: David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga
- Director: Mira Nair
Queen of Katwe Quotes – Cast and Crew Regarding Filming a Real-Life Story
Read Phiona’s Story
The Queen of Katwe: One Girl’s Triumphant Path to Becoming a Chess Champion
We can not wait to see this movie!
this is so awesome. i really really want to seee this movie.
This looks like it is going to be a great movie! I know it surely is inspirational!
I am looking forward to seeing Queen of Katwe. I am hoping to go on the weekend with a few friends.
Queen of Katwe has been getting great reviews. I am excited to go see it with a girlfriend.
I feel like my oldest would really benifit from this movie. I need to plan to take her
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the movie. I”ll be keeping an eye out for it in theaters.
I saw a trailer for Queen of Katwe before Pete’s Dragon, and was so thrilled. It sounds like such a heartwarming story. Knowing that it’s based on a true story makes it even more incredible.
This looks like a great movie! I can’t wait to see it!
This movie looks so good! I can’t wait to see it!
I have seen the previews for this movie and it looks like a good one. I cannot wait to see this!
I have heard nothing but great things about this movie. I will look forward to it. What a wonderful story to bring to the screen – a remarkable young man and an amazing young woman.
This looks like a great movie. I enjoy watching movies that are based on true stories!
You always seem to have a good time on these Disney press trips. This movie sounds good, I’ll have to see it when it’s released in theaters.
I saw a trailer of this movie, and it looks amazing. I can’t wait to watch it when it comes out!
I can’t wait to see this movie! I love movies like this where people are able to crawl out of whatever they are in and make their life better and the people around them. What a wonderful movie.
Sounds like a really cool story! I bet my kids would love this!
This sounds like such an inspirational movie. I like true story movies, especially when not much is embellished.
This looks like a great movie. I enjoy watching movies that are based on real life. Can’t wait.
I look forward to seeing this movie when it comes out. I have only heard good things about it.
I’m so excited to see this movie. I always love films based on true stories. They’re so inspiring.
I will definitely be seeing this when it comes out. It sounds like a great movie.