Queen of Katwe

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie Queen of Katwe including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Queen of Katwe Description

Queen of Katwe movieQueen of Katwe is 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, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

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.




Queen of Katwe Cast
  • Madina Nalwanga: Phiona Mutesi
  • David Oyelowo: Robert Katende
  • Lupita Nyong’o: Nakku Harriet
  • Martin Kabanza: Mugabi Brian
  • Taryn “Kay” Kyaze: Night
  • Ronald Ssemaganda: Ivan
  • Ethan Nazario Lubega: Benjamin
  • Nikita Waligwa: Gloria
  • Edgar Kanyike: Joseph
  • Esther Tebandeke: Sara Katende
  • Peter Odeke: Mr. Barumba
  • Sheebah Karungi: Shakira


Queen of Katwe Crew
  • Director: Mira Nair
  • Producers: John Carls and Lydia Dean Pilcher
  • Screenplay: William Wheeler



Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $6.2 million
  • IMDB Link

Queen of Katwe Trailer:




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I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.