Well done, Disney! Well done! Queen of Katwe was an inspiring film based on the true story of a young, Ugandan girl whose life is forever changed by the game of chess.
Filmed in Uganda, the film manages to show a range of socioeconomic statuses one may encounter in Uganda. From the makeshift shelter Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) lived in with her mother, Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave), and her younger brothers after being evicted from their home; to the modest living of Robert Katende (David Oyelowo, Selma) and his wife Sara Katende (Esther Tebandeke) to the private school the children visit to compete in a chess tournament. The music was great too, with oldies but goodies from Davido and P-Square. The location and music made for a very authentic feel.
The fact that director Mira Nair (Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding) lives in Uganda, which is where she met her husband while doing research for Mississippi Masala, likely added to the film's authenticity, as well. Nair noted that the true account of Phiona Mutesi took place not too far from Nair's home. Adding to the authenticity was the fact that the children actors were also from Uganda, all but one growing up in the same socioeconomic status as the real Phiona. Fun fact, the first film Nalwanga saw in a theater was Jurassic World, when Oyelowo took the children actors to see it during the filming of Queen of Katwe , and the second film she saw in a theater was the screening of Queen of Katwe at TIFF!
But despite not having seen a film on the big screen, Nalwanga did a phenomenal job playing Phiona. She and the other children actors were absolutely great! Oyelowo spoke of the energy they brought to the set, and the energy can be felt through the screen, as well. You will be truly impressed with these young actors and their ability to express a range of emotions and feelings. As to be expected, Oyelowo and Nyong'o did an outstanding job, as well; with Nyong'o stealing the show with her portrayal of a hard-working, protective mother who sticks to her principles. Though Nyong'o is not a mother herself, the young actress is absolutely one on screen as she portrays Nakku, who was a young mother.
Queen of Katwe was a powerful and moving film about a mother's love and strength, the power of giving back and uplifting others, and most importantly about courage and hope! Let's let Disney know we want more quality films sharing the story of strong women and young girls of color and films directed by women of color! And you know where we let them know, at the box office starting tomorrow!!
10/10