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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.
Original Release
09/30/2016
US Release
09/23/2016
Links
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Madina Nalwanga | Phiona Mutesi |
David Oyelowo | Robert Katende |
Lupita Nyong'o | Nakku Harriet |
Martin Kabanza | Mugabi Brian |
Taryn Kyaze | Night / Margaret Night Nantongo |
Ivan Jacobo | Young Richard / Buyinza Richard (young) |
Nicolas Lévesque | Older Richard / Buyinza Richard (older) |
Ronald Ssemaganda | Ivan |
Ethan Nazario Lubega | Benjamin / Mukumbya Benjamin |
Nikita Waligwa | Gloria / Gloria Nansubuga |
Directors
Writers
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Madina Nalwanga | Phiona Mutesi |
David Oyelowo | Robert Katende |
Lupita Nyong'o | Nakku Harriet |
Martin Kabanza | Mugabi Brian |
Taryn Kyaze | Night / Margaret Night Nantongo |
Ivan Jacobo | Young Richard / Buyinza Richard (young) |
Nicolas Lévesque | Older Richard / Buyinza Richard (older) |
Ronald Ssemaganda | Ivan |
Ethan Nazario Lubega | Benjamin / Mukumbya Benjamin |
Nikita Waligwa | Gloria / Gloria Nansubuga |
Edgar Kanyike | Joseph |
Esteri Tebandeke | Sara Katende / Sarah Katende |
Hope Katende | Hope Katende |
Philip Luswata | Minister Aloysius Kyazze |
Peter Odeke | Enoch Barumba |
Maurice Kirya | Theo |
Minky Ndlovu | Man on Boda |
Jack Kinobe Sserunkuuma | Mr. Wilson |
Irene Kulabako Kakembo | Mrs. Kimbale |
Allen Musumba | Zesiro |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Troy Buder | Executive Producer |
Connor Schell | Executive Producer |
Daniel Silver | Executive Producer |
Will Weiske | Executive Producer |
John B. Carls | Producer |
Lydia Dean Pilcher | Producer |
Genevieve Hofmeyr | Producer |