I’m so excited that Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is now open in theaters everywhere! If you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to go and read my review of this amazing uplifting tale of chess champion Phiona Mutesi, and her teacher Robert Katende. Need even more proof on the brillance of this film? QUEEN OF KATWE is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a current score of 92%! The audiences who saw during last week’s limited release gave the film an A+ on Cinemascore!
The film is based in Katwe, a poor village that sits outside of Uganda’s capital of Kampala. It is there that Phiona (Madina Nalwanga’s film debut!), lives in the slums with her overworked but determined widowed mother, Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o), and Phiona’s older sister and two younger brothers. Food, money, and decent living conditions are scarce.
Phiona and one of her brother’s join a local chess club run by Robert (played by David Oyelowo), in an effort to get free porridge from him. Robert is an engineer without a job, who works part-time at a local church. Even though most of the kids in the club are too poor for school, Robert has much fondness for them, and names them “The Pioneers.” The club provides them an outlet, a way to stimulate their minds and develop a new skill. It’s not long before it’s discovered that Phiona has quite the natural talent when it comes to chess!
Turning Dreams Into A Reality
Soular Backpacks
I’m also excited to announce that in honor of QUEEN OF KATWE, HSN partnering with Soular Backpacks on an awesome campaign! For every Soular Backpack purchased, a solar-powered backpack is given to a child in Africa to help study at night. Currently, children are using kerosene lamps, which can cause health complications. Soular Backpacks use natural energy from the sun during a child’s walk home from school. You can make a difference today by purchasing a backpack!
Queen of Katwe Trailer
Be sure to connect with QUEEN OF KATWE on Facebook and Twitter.
QUEEN OF KATWE is out in theaters NOW!
While I attended an expense paid trip by Disney to Los Angeles, all opinions are 100% my own. Film images provided by Walt Disney Publications.
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