Is Queen of Katwe based on a true story? Trailer, Summary, and More
by Rubaditsha
Updated Mar 27, 2023
Is Queen of Katwe based on a true story?
Queen of Katwe tells the story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl from the slums of Katwe who becomes a chess prodigy and rises to become a national champion and an international competitor. The movie is based on a book of the same name by Tim Crothers, which is a non-fiction account of Phiona's life and her journey to becoming a chess champion. The film stars Madina Nalwanga as Phiona Mutesi, David Oyelowo as Robert Katende, and Lupita Nyong'o as Phiona's mother, Harriet. It was directed by Mira Nair and written by William Wheeler. Yes, "Queen of Katwe" is based on a true story.
Adapted from an ESPN magazine article and book by Tim Crothers, the film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and ESPN Films. It was screened at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival and released in the United States on September 23, 2016, before a general theatrical release on September 30.
Queen of Katwe review
"Queen of Katwe" is a beautifully crafted film that tells an inspiring and heartwarming true story of a young girl's journey from poverty to becoming a national chess champion. The film does an excellent job of depicting life in the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, and the challenges faced by those living in poverty, particularly young girls.
The acting in the film is exceptional, with Madina Nalwanga delivering a remarkable performance as Phiona Mutesi, the protagonist of the story. David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o also deliver fantastic performances as Phiona's coach and mother, respectively.
The film's pacing and direction by Mira Nair are excellent, with the story unfolding in a way that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The cinematography is also beautiful, capturing the vibrant colors and energy of Katwe, as well as the starkness of the poverty that Phiona and her family face.
Overall, "Queen of Katwe" is a powerful and inspiring film that celebrates the resilience and determination of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone interested in stories of triumph over adversity and the power of education and mentorship to change lives.
Queen of Katwe summary
"Queen of Katwe" is a 2016 biographical drama film based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. Phiona is introduced to chess by a missionary program called Sports Outreach, and quickly shows an extraordinary talent for the game.
With the help of her coach, Robert Katende, and her mother's support, Phiona goes on to compete in local, national, and international chess tournaments, eventually becoming a national champion and earning the title of Woman Candidate Master.
The movie depicts the challenges Phiona faces as a girl growing up in poverty, including a lack of food and shelter, as well as the ways in which she overcomes those challenges through her dedication to chess and the support of those around her.
It has been praised for its depiction of the power of education and mentorship to help young people overcome the challenges of poverty and achieve their dreams. Nikita Pearl Waligwa, a 15-year-old child actress from Uganda who starred in Disney's film "Queen of Katwe", has passed away due to brain tumour. Waligwa played the character of Gloria, a young friend of the main character in the 2016 film that told the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a chess prodigy from the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. She attended Gayaza High School since 2018, and the school expressed their grief over her death. Waligwa was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, recovered a year later, but was diagnosed with another tumour later on. Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences and grief on social media. In "Queen of Katwe," Waligwa played the role of Gloria, who explained the rules of the game of chess to Phiona and said, "The small one can become the big one."
Queen of Katwe Trailer
Is Queen of Katwe based on a true story:FAQs
"Queen of Katwe" is based on a true story of a Ugandan girl named Phiona Mutesi who becomes a national chess champion and an international competitor.
"Queen of Katwe" is a movie based on a book of the same name by Tim Crothers, which is a non-fiction account of Phiona's life and her journey to becoming a chess champion.
The film stars Madina Nalwanga as Phiona Mutesi, David Oyelowo as Robert Katende, and Lupita Nyong'o as Phiona's mother, Harriet.
"Queen of Katwe" was directed by Mira Nair.