Disney’s Queen of Katwe featurette – Labor of Love

We’re excited to share with you a wonderful featurette from Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” featuring new footage from the film and sound bites with stars David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o. The film tells the true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda who becomes an international chess champion.

I am very much looking forward to this movie, the previous trailer won me over. How can you not feel the same way after seeing this trailer?

Want more, here’s a full behind the scenes Twitter Moment with a special video from David Oyelowo:

https://t.co/Z8Y55so3c8

— Queen of Katwe (@QueenOfKatwe) July 12, 2016

I’ve been a fan of Mira Nair’s films since her 1991 film “Mississippi Masala,” especially the way she’s able to highlight different cultures while bringing everyone closer via our common humanity. We can definitely use more of that right now.

About the movie:

“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from 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. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” stars Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar winner and Tony Award nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, 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 to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (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.

Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2016.