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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.
Original Release
09/23/2016
US Release
09/23/2016
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Cast
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Trailers

Queen Of Katwe
Clips

Queen Of Katwe: Something Remarkable

Queen Of Katwe: Dreams

Queen Of Katwe: Lucky Beginner

Queen Of Katwe: Opportunity

Queen Of Katwe: Never Surrender

Queen Of Katwe: Eight Moves
Behind the Scenes

Queen Of Katwe: Alicia Keys Back To Life (Featurette)

Queen Of Katwe: Phiona Mutesi On Her First Time Being Introduced To The Chess Program

Queen Of Katwe: Robert Katende On What He Saw In Phiona Mutesi

Queen Of Katwe: Martin Kabanza On Learning From Lupita Nyong'o

Queen Of Katwe: Taryn 'Kay' Kyaze On Her Character

Queen Of Katwe: Sara Katende On Robert Acting As A Father To The Kids

Queen Of Katwe: Ronald Ssemaganda On Working With Director Mira Nair

Queen Of Katwe: Mira Nair On The Story Of The Film

Queen Of Katwe: Nikita Waligwa On Meeting The Real 'Gloria'

Queen Of Katwe: Maurice Kirya On Working With Lupita Nyong'o

Queen Of Katwe: Esther Tebandeke On Working With David Oyelowo

Queen Of Katwe: Alicia Keys On What She Loved About The Film

Queen Of Katwe: Lydia Dean Pilcher On Finding MAdina And How She Blossomed Into The Role

Queen Of Katwe: Lupita Nyong'o On 'Harriet'

Queen Of Katwe: John Carls On 'Robert Katende'

Queen Of Katwe: Madina Nalwanga On Parallels Between Her Life And 'Phiona's'

Queen Of Katwe: David Oyelowo On The Plot

Queen Of Katwe: Ethan Nazario Lubega On Working With Mira Nair

Queen Of Katwe: Edgar Kanyike On His Character

















