![Poster of the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/posters/1000x1500/48/queen-of-katwe-2016-us-poster.jpg)
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.
Directed by | Mira Nair |
Written by | William Wheeler, Tim Crothers |
Company | DisneyDisneyDisney |
Starring
Videos
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206320-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:30
TV Spot
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206264-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:47
Teaser: Turning dreams into a reality
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206251-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:30
TV Spot: Unstoppable
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206225-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:57
Clip: Opportunity
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206224-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:34
Clip: Never Surrender
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206223-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:59
Clip: Lucky Beginner
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206222-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:47
Clip: Eight Moves
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206158-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:45
Featurette: Chess is Life
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206157-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
1:21
Teaser: Song: Back To Life
7 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206067-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
1:12
Featurette: Alicia Keys - Back To Life
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-206003-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:43
Featurette: Champion
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205966-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
1:00
TV Spot: Dream
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205964-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:30
TV Spot: Never Surrender
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205743-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
0:30
TV Spot: Find your game
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205591-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
2:38
Featurette: Labor of Love
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205464-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
1:00
Trailer #2
8 years ago
![](/images/videos/48/60448-205101-queen_of_katwe_.jpg)
2:23
Trailer #1
8 years ago
Photos
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20166241.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20166242.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20166245.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20167397.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20166243.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20167468.jpg)
![Photo from the movie Queen of Katwe](/images/580x326/48/queen-of-katwe-20166240.jpg)
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