![]() ![]() He brought on Nair, who in turn recruited her Reluctant Fundamentalist screenwriter William Wheeler to punch up the script. I used all of the equity I had built at that moment to put forward this movie.ĭisney executive vice president of production Tendo Nagendaīut all the while he worked on Katwe. They just, like their protagonist’s signature move, had to be smart and aggressive. And they were going to get Disney-the home of Star Wars and Marvel and animated movies about lost fish-to make it. #Queen of katwe 2016 movieThat day, in the bamboo grove of her garden, the two made a pact: They were going to make a movie about Phiona Mutesi, a chess champion from the Kampala slum of Katwe. “And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m with my family, do you want to meet tomorrow?’ She’s like, ‘No, just bring ‘em!’” “I called her from the street somewhere she said ‘Oh, I’m at home, why don’t you come up?’” Nagenda remembers. She didn’t mind she invited him over for tea. Mira Nair didn’t really know Nagenda, but he happened to be visiting family in her backyard in the Ugandan city of Kampala, so he called her out of the blue. It was winter 2013 the Disney exec had spent months quietly developing a movie about a young girl in Uganda who became an international chess star, and now he knew who he wanted to direct it. Lupita Nyong'o's talent is no secret, and it is a treat to watch her flourish in this multifaceted and complicated leading role her portrayal of a mother who wants to nourish her children's dreams while remaining aware of the harsh reality they live in - and the fears that come with it - is undoubtedly worthy of the highest praise.Tendo Nagenda finally had a plan. The script occasionally loses its subtlety as it delivers this moral, but it is important to remember that this PG-rated film is aimed at a younger audience.įamilial bonds, particularly the mother-daughter relationship between Phiona and Nakku, are emphasized throughout the film as Phiona tries to balance her life in the slums with her goal of becoming a chess champion. Although she eventually learns to read, her lack of formal education is integral to the message that everyone, no matter what their initial lot in life, can excel when given the right opportunities and support. For example, Phiona is illiterate because her mother cannot afford to send her or her siblings to school. Many of the problems facing Phiona and her family are unfamiliar to Western viewers, and the film touches on some heavy, yet deeply important and relevant topics that are rarely, if ever, explored in wide-release pictures. ![]() Queen of Katwe's story arc relies on many of the tropes typical of underdog sports movies, but it handles them in nontraditional ways. David Oyelowo's performance is earnest and heartfelt, and it is refreshing to see Katende serving less as Phiona's savoir and more as her mentor and pillar of support. Throughout the film, Katende navigates obstacles such as a lack of funding and prejudice in order to provide his charges with the opportunity to participate in increasingly high-level chess competitions - all while trying to make the best decisions for himself and his own family. Katende, lovingly dubbed "Coach" by the children, recognizes and takes a special interest in Phiona's talent. Although she is initially hesitant (especially when she is bullied by a few kids), Phiona is intrigued enough to return the next day, and quickly realizes her aptitude for chess. #Queen of katwe 2016 how toOne day, Phiona discovers a gathering of local children who are learning how to play chess from Robert Katende ( David Oyelowo). The film begins in 2007: Phiona (the wonderful Madina Nalwanga) lives with her mother Nakku Harriet ( Lupita Nyong'o), brothers Mugabi Brian ( Martin Kabanza) and Richard ( Ivan Jacobo), and sister Night ( Taryn "Kay" Kyaze) in the slums of Katwe, where the family sells corn on the street to make ends meet. Disney's latest sports drama, Queen of Katwe, follows the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl born into poverty who becomes a chess champion. ![]()
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