See Real Characters inspired for Queen of Katwe – In Theaters September 23rd #QueenofKatwe
Don’t miss Queen of Katwe in Theaters September 23rd!
Disney has released photos of Phiona Mutesi and her coach Robert Katende with mirror images of the actors who play them in the movie, Madina Nalwanga and David Oyelowo in the new movie QUEEN OF KATWE, as well as a new TV Spot highlighting the improbable journey to become a champion.
Inspired by a true story, see how Phiona and other children of Katwe embrace the game of chess and go on to become a champion. See below some of the amazing photos of the actors and the real life people they portray in the movie.
Madina Nalwanga (holding trophy) as Phiona Mutesi
Phiona Mutesi (far right) and Robert Katende (back center)
Robert Katende was a new college graduate and soccer coach for Sports Outreach Ministry and ran a chess program for underprivileged children in the slums of Kampala. Uganda. This is where he first came across the path of Phiona Mutesi and her family. 
As Phiona’s coach and mentor, Katende helped Phiona embrace chess and pave the way for the champion she has become today. Currently Katende is married with 3 children and houses several chess students. He also serves as the director of Sports Outreach in Kampala, Uganda and runs 300 chess programs throughout Uganda.
QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda who is introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende, a former missionary and soccer coach, and goes on to become an international chess champion. Queen of Katwe also stars Lupita Nyong’o and is directed by Mira Nair.
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.
Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2016. Be sure to stay connected socially for all of the latest movie news and release info
