Queen of Katwe

Release Date: Friday, September 23, 2016 Limited Friday, September 30, 2016 Nationwide

Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, Mira Nair, William Wheeler, Esther Tebandeke, Troy Buder, Will Weiske

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.

PG Drama N/A

  • 4.3

84%

16%
ADVERTISEMENT

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

Snap poll

Will you see Queen of Katwe?

Seen the movie? Rate it!

Top Cast

The lead cast starring in Queen of Katwe.

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
Production Companies

Additional Information

MPA Rating
PG Parental Guidance Suggested for thematic elements, an accident scene and some suggestive material
Runtime
N/A
Tagline
Not available
Also known as
Not available
Language
English

All Trailers

Official Queen of Katwe movie trailers and clips.

Queen of Katwe Theatrical Trailer Clip Image
Drama
Queen of Katwe Theatrical Trailer
Queen of Katwe TV Spot: Champion Clip Image
Drama
Queen of Katwe TV Spot: Champion

Production Details

What we know about the Queen of Katwe movie production.

Key Facts

  • Based on the book by Tim Crothers.

Production Updates

Completed

The film was tagged as Completed.

Post-Production

The film was tagged as Post-Production.

Production

The film was tagged as Production.

Release Dates

When was the film released?

Queen of Katwe was released in limited movie theaters on Friday, September 23, 2016 . There were 16 other movies released on the same date, including The Magnificent Seven, Storks and The Dressmaker. As a limited release, Queen of Katwe was shown in select movie theaters in major markets.



Questions

Ask question

Looking for more information on Queen of Katwe?

Official Page and Social Links

Across the Web

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow the Updates

Sat., Mar. 18, 2017

  • Set the MPAA rating to PG for thematic elements, an accident scene and some suggestive material

New Movie Trailer

Joy
Teaser Trailer

Netflix Originals has unveiled official trailer for Joy. Watch now!

ADVERTISEMENT

More to Explore

Find and discover more on Movie Insider and across the web.

30-Day Free Trial

Watch thousands of movies 24/7 on Amazon Prime.

Go now
Production Listings

Find and discover movies filming now.

Go now