Directed by:
Mira NairScreenplay:
William WheelerCinematography:
Sean BobbittComposer:
Alex HeffesCast:
Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ronald Ssemaganda, Ethan Nazario Lubega, Nikita Pearl Waligwa, Edgar Kanyike (more)Plots(1)
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. (Walt Disney US)
(more)Cast
Madina Nalwanga
Uganda
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
David Oyelowo
UK
Best movies:
The Help (2011)
Interstellar (2014)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Lupita Nyong'o
Mexico
Best movies:
12 Years a Slave (2013)
The Jungle Book (2016)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Martin Kabanza
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Taryn Kyaze
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Ronald Ssemaganda
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
The Mercy of the Jungle (2018)
Ethan Nazario Lubega
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Nikita Pearl Waligwa
Uganda
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Edgar Kanyike
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Esther Tebandeke
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Hope Katende
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Maurice Kirya
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)
The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (2020)
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
USA
Best movies:
Blood Diamond (2006)
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Don King: Only in America (1997) (TV movie)
Maggie Benedict
South Africa
Best movies:
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (2008) (series)
Queen of Katwe (2016)
The Romanoffs (2018) (series)
Allen Musumba
Best movies:
Queen of Katwe (2016)