From the plantations of the antebellum South to a galaxy, far, far away, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o continues to forge ahead in Hollywood. Her latest film is the inspirational Disney film, The Queen of Katwe.
The uplifting tale centers on a Ugandan chess prodigy, telling the story of Phiona Mutesi, who emerged out of a slum in Uganda to reach the World Chess Olympiad with the help and belief of her coach-mentor Robert Katende. David Oyelowo will play Katende. Nyong’o will play Harriet Mutesi, Phiona’s young mother.
Queen of Katwe tells the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on 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 (Mississippi Masala), Katwe is based on Tim Crothers’ 2011 ESPN The Magazine article and subsequent book “The Queen Of Katwe: A Story Of Life, Chess, And One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream Of Becoming A Grandmaster.” The film also stars newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
The Queen of Katwe will hit theaters in the Fall 2016.