Queen of Katwe Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess.

Plot

What's the story about?

Plot

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 with 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.

Cited as official plot version from disney.com

Drama Adaptation True Story

Top Cast

The lead cast starring in Queen of Katwe.

• 
  Lupita Nyong'o

  ... Harriet Mutesi

  The Wild Robot, The Odyssey

• 
  David Oyelowo

  ... Robert Katende

  Interstellar, Chaos Walking

• E
  Esther Tebandeke

  ... Sara Katende

Crew Behind the Film

The Queen of Katwe behind-the-scenes crew and production team.

The film's director Mira Nair last directed The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Amelia. The film's writer William Wheeler last wrote The Hoax and White Night.

Director

Mira Nair

Screenwriter

William Wheeler

Production Details

What we know about the Queen of Katwe movie production.

Key Facts

• Based on the book by Tim Crothers.

Production Updates for Queen of Katwe

Aug 2016

Completed

Changed Queen of Katwe movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Jan 2016

Post-Production

Changed the movie production status to Post-Production. The movie is now in the editing and finishing stages.

Aug 2015

Production

Changed the movie production status to Production. The movie is currently being filmed.

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Additional Information

All Trailers

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Questions

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Official Page and Social Links

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• Official Site

Across the Web

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