If you, too, were on the edge of your seat while binge-watching Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, you’re not alone. Based on the 1983 Walter Tevis book of the same name (which takes its title from a popular move), the limited-run series about fictional chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor Joy) set viewership records to the tune of 62 million households in its first 28 days, says the streaming service. The coming-of-age story follows orphaned Harmon as she rises through the ranks in the Sixties and Seventies, proving to be (spoiler alert!
- 12/18/2020
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- Rollingstone.com
Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys has contributed songs to dozens of soundtracks including “The Great Gatsby,” “Muscle Shoals,” “Quantum of Solace” and “Drumline.” But Mira Nair’s “Queen of Katwe,” which features a Keys original, “Back to Life,” was a different kind of project.
Keys first discovered the true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi (portrayed by Madina Nalwanga in her debut) “by a little twist of fate” in 2011, when Tim Crothers’ remarkable feature story on the budding prodigy was published by Espn’s magazine (a year later, Crothers published the book “The Queen of Katwe,” on which Nair’s film is based).
Producing partner Jeff Robinson gave the article to Keys, in hopes that they could develop it under their Big Pita, Little Pita Productions banner. While that didn’t ultimately pan out, Keys could never quite shake Mutesi’s story.
Read More: Why ‘Hidden Figures’ Is...
Keys first discovered the true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi (portrayed by Madina Nalwanga in her debut) “by a little twist of fate” in 2011, when Tim Crothers’ remarkable feature story on the budding prodigy was published by Espn’s magazine (a year later, Crothers published the book “The Queen of Katwe,” on which Nair’s film is based).
Producing partner Jeff Robinson gave the article to Keys, in hopes that they could develop it under their Big Pita, Little Pita Productions banner. While that didn’t ultimately pan out, Keys could never quite shake Mutesi’s story.
Read More: Why ‘Hidden Figures’ Is...
- 1/12/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o and Madina Nalwanga lead the cast of a real gem of a movie. Here's our review of Queen Of Katwe...
For a film that's competing with lots of big new releases in UK cinemas this week, there has been rather too much emphasis on how radical Queen Of Katwe is for a Disney film. Adapted from Tim Crothers' 2012 article The Queen Of Katwe: A Story Of Life, Chess and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream Of Becoming A Grandmaster, Mira Nair's winsome sports underdog movie just happens to be set entirely in Uganda.
In the titular Kampala slum, selfless youth ministry coach Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) introduces chess to the local kids by offering free food at his classes. One pupil in particular, Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), proves to be a natural and Robert encourages her to pursue her passion to an international level over a number of years,...
For a film that's competing with lots of big new releases in UK cinemas this week, there has been rather too much emphasis on how radical Queen Of Katwe is for a Disney film. Adapted from Tim Crothers' 2012 article The Queen Of Katwe: A Story Of Life, Chess and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream Of Becoming A Grandmaster, Mira Nair's winsome sports underdog movie just happens to be set entirely in Uganda.
In the titular Kampala slum, selfless youth ministry coach Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) introduces chess to the local kids by offering free food at his classes. One pupil in particular, Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), proves to be a natural and Robert encourages her to pursue her passion to an international level over a number of years,...
- 10/25/2016
- Den of Geek
We all know what a heartwarming Disney sports drama feels like. Glossy, sentimental, going for rousing win moments. When Ugandan-Belizean Disney executive VP production Tendo Nagenda read Tim Crothers’ 2013 Espn magazine feature about Phiona Mutesi, a chess master who rose up from selling corn in the Kampala, Uganda slum of Katwe, he knew he’d found the right story. But he knew that if it was going to resonate, this couldn’t be soft-focus or glib. He had to find a director with the sensibility to keep it real.
For that, he approached veteran New York filmmaker Mira Nair, who has also lived in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for 27 years. He invited himself to tea, and she jumped on board.
They developed “Queen of Katwe” (September 23) with writer William Wheeler. Nair finally met Mutesi when she was in New York to play against Kasperov, she told me in our interview.
For that, he approached veteran New York filmmaker Mira Nair, who has also lived in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for 27 years. He invited himself to tea, and she jumped on board.
They developed “Queen of Katwe” (September 23) with writer William Wheeler. Nair finally met Mutesi when she was in New York to play against Kasperov, she told me in our interview.
- 9/22/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
We all know what a heartwarming Disney sports drama feels like. Glossy, sentimental, going for rousing win moments. When Ugandan-Belizean Disney executive VP production Tendo Nagenda read Tim Crothers’ 2013 Espn magazine feature about Phiona Mutesi, a chess master who rose up from selling corn in the Kampala, Uganda slum of Katwe, he knew he’d found the right story. But he knew that if it was going to resonate, this couldn’t be soft-focus or glib. He had to find a director with the sensibility to keep it real.
For that, he approached veteran New York filmmaker Mira Nair, who has also lived in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for 27 years. He invited himself to tea, and she jumped on board.
They developed “Queen of Katwe” (September 23) with writer William Wheeler. Nair finally met Mutesi when she was in New York to play against Kasperov, she told me in our interview.
For that, he approached veteran New York filmmaker Mira Nair, who has also lived in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for 27 years. He invited himself to tea, and she jumped on board.
They developed “Queen of Katwe” (September 23) with writer William Wheeler. Nair finally met Mutesi when she was in New York to play against Kasperov, she told me in our interview.
- 9/22/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
There’s nothing surprising or adventurous about Mira Nair’s “Queen of Katwe,” a sincere and sensitive dramatization of a 10-year-old Ugandan girl who became a world-renowned chess champion. Despite some of the harsher elements of the impoverished backdrop where Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) grows up, Nair has made exactly the kind of feel-good tale of triumphant spirit entailed by the material. As Mutesi, Nalwanga delivers a serious, credible performance in which her intelligence outweighs the limited resources of her immediate surroundings; she’s complimented by a jubilant David Oyelowo as passionate coach Robert Katende and a ferocious Lupia Nyong’o as Phiona’s conflicted mother Nakku Harriet. Their perseverance unites the underprivileged community and sets the stage for a celebratory finale.
So why does “Queen of Katwe,” written by William Wheeler from journalist Tim Crothers’ book, feel so unsatisfying? The Disney-produced story simply lacks any genuine sense of urgency.
So why does “Queen of Katwe,” written by William Wheeler from journalist Tim Crothers’ book, feel so unsatisfying? The Disney-produced story simply lacks any genuine sense of urgency.
- 9/11/2016
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
In continuing our fall preview, after highlighting the 25 best films we’ve already seen, today brings a look at the unknown. We’ve narrowed down 25 works with (mostly) confirmed release dates that are coming over the next four months and have us intrigued. While some won’t show up until late December, a good amount will first premiere over the next few weeks at various film festivals, so check back for our reviews.
See our list below, and return soon for our final preview: the festival premieres we’re most looking forward to.
25. Assassin’s Creed (Justin Kurzel; Dec. 21)
Along with a good chance of earning the highly-patented title of Best Video Game Movie, Justin Kurzel’s (Snowtown, Macbeth) upcoming, massive-video-game-franchise-to-big-screen-adaptation Assassin’s Creed also has the potential for so much more. Michael Fassbender stars as a man in the modern era who is kidnapped by a shady corporation (led...
See our list below, and return soon for our final preview: the festival premieres we’re most looking forward to.
25. Assassin’s Creed (Justin Kurzel; Dec. 21)
Along with a good chance of earning the highly-patented title of Best Video Game Movie, Justin Kurzel’s (Snowtown, Macbeth) upcoming, massive-video-game-franchise-to-big-screen-adaptation Assassin’s Creed also has the potential for so much more. Michael Fassbender stars as a man in the modern era who is kidnapped by a shady corporation (led...
- 8/25/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The game of chess propels a young girl to achieve her dreams in Queen of Katwe.
Based on a true story, the film follows Phiona Mutesi, a rising chess champion who doesn't know if she can ever be the best anywhere but where she's from, which is the slums of Kampala, Uganda. Based on the book by Tim Crothers (which he had originally written as an article for Espn), the film tells an inspirational story of chasing your dreams, no matter how far off they may seem.
Lupita Nyong'o co-stars, in only her second non-motion capture screen role since her Oscar winning turn in 12 Years a Slave, as she had roles in both Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book. She is joined byDavid Oyelowo (Selma) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga in the leading role.
Check out the first trailer and poster for Queen of Katwe below, and see...
Based on a true story, the film follows Phiona Mutesi, a rising chess champion who doesn't know if she can ever be the best anywhere but where she's from, which is the slums of Kampala, Uganda. Based on the book by Tim Crothers (which he had originally written as an article for Espn), the film tells an inspirational story of chasing your dreams, no matter how far off they may seem.
Lupita Nyong'o co-stars, in only her second non-motion capture screen role since her Oscar winning turn in 12 Years a Slave, as she had roles in both Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book. She is joined byDavid Oyelowo (Selma) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga in the leading role.
Check out the first trailer and poster for Queen of Katwe below, and see...
- 5/10/2016
- by Adriana Floridia
- Cineplex
After teasing the trailer yesterday on Twitter, Disney has released the first trailer for Mira Nair’s upcoming adaptation of Phiona Mutesi’s tale previously told in Tim Crothers’ book.
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.
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.
- 5/10/2016
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo (who should have an Oscar for his work in Selma) topline an inspirational new Disney film called Queen of Katwe, about a young girl in a Ugandan village who uses her skills at the game of chess as a way to achieve her dreams. It's a shame the movie decided to use dialogue as obvious as "the little one can become the big one," because the metaphors about using chess to overcome obstacles are made exceedingly clear in the rest of the trailer without that on-the-nose explanation; still, this looks like a solid breakout role for newcomer Madina Nalwanga and an inspiring film that's based on a true story.
Queen of Katwe hits theaters on September 23rd.
Check out the trailer below, and then read the super detailed synopsis at the bottom:
“Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young...
Queen of Katwe hits theaters on September 23rd.
Check out the trailer below, and then read the super detailed synopsis at the bottom:
“Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young...
- 5/10/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
After breaking out in 12 Years a Slave, we actually haven’t seen Lupita Nyong’o on screen since. Yes, she did motion-capture work for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book, but for those hoping for a more substantial role from the actress, it will arrive this year. Mississippi Masala and Monsoon Wedding director Mira Nair recently adapted Tim Crothers‘ book, based on his own article for Espn, with Queen of Katwe and the first trailer has landed today.
The Disney drama follows the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who comes from the slums of Kampala, Uganda and became a chess prodigy as a teenager. The first trailer shows off an authentic, feel-good drama and we imagine it’ll be a strong fit for fall festivals before it hits theaters. Also starring newcomer Madina Nalwanga and David Oyelowo, check out the trailer and poster below.
Queen of Katwe...
The Disney drama follows the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who comes from the slums of Kampala, Uganda and became a chess prodigy as a teenager. The first trailer shows off an authentic, feel-good drama and we imagine it’ll be a strong fit for fall festivals before it hits theaters. Also starring newcomer Madina Nalwanga and David Oyelowo, check out the trailer and poster below.
Queen of Katwe...
- 5/10/2016
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The first trailer is now out for "Queen of Katwe," one of the only films Disney is set to release this year that's not "Star Wars," Marvel, Pixar or a live-action fantasy. David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o and Madina Nalwang star in the film which opens in September.
Mira Nair helms this adaptation of the Tim Crothers novel which boasts a screenplay by William Wheeler ("The Hoax"). The true story tale follows a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess.
As a result of the support she receives from her family and community, she is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
Mira Nair helms this adaptation of the Tim Crothers novel which boasts a screenplay by William Wheeler ("The Hoax"). The true story tale follows a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess.
As a result of the support she receives from her family and community, she is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
- 5/10/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Disney has slotted Mira Nair's drama "The Queen of Katwe" for a September 23 theatrical premiere in the USA. It will open in a limited release to start, and then expand it a week later on September 30, to other cities around the country. Lupita Nyong'o co-stars in the film which is based on "The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster," by author Tim Crothers, which tells the true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, also known as "The Queen of Katwe." Joining Nyong'o in "Katwe" is newcomer Madina Nalwanga, who plays Phiona Mutesi in the highest profile feature...
- 4/8/2016
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Disney has just put Mira Nair’s next picture Queen Of Katwe onto its release schedule, with a limited debut on September 23 and an expansion a week later. The film, which stars David Oyelowo (Selma), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years A Slave) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is based on a true story. The film, adapted from the book by Tim Crothers with a screenplay by William Wheeler (The Hoax), tells the true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose…...
- 4/8/2016
- Deadline
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has unveiled synopses, images and information for their 2016 releases.
First up is the highly anticipated Doctor Strange.
Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Michael Stuhlbarg with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Marvel’s Doctor Strange is directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Kevin Feige. The film opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.
Chris Pine stars as Captain Bernie Webber in Disney’s The Finest Hours, the heroic action-thriller presented in Digital 3D (Tm) and IMAX (c) 3D based on the extraordinary true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. (Trailer)
On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard...
First up is the highly anticipated Doctor Strange.
Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Michael Stuhlbarg with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Marvel’s Doctor Strange is directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Kevin Feige. The film opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.
Chris Pine stars as Captain Bernie Webber in Disney’s The Finest Hours, the heroic action-thriller presented in Digital 3D (Tm) and IMAX (c) 3D based on the extraordinary true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. (Trailer)
On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard...
- 1/7/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Disney's "The Queen of Katwe," based on the 2011 Espn the Magazine story and subsequent book by Tim Crothers, stars Kenyan newcomer Nalwanga as Mutesi, who grew up in Kampala, Uganda and, with the help of her coach, Robert Katende (Oyelowo), became a competitor in the World Chess Olympiad. Nyong'o plays Mutesi's mother, Harriet. Adapted by William Wheeler ("Ray Donovan"), the film is "Monsoon Wedding" director Nair's first feature since 2012's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," also adapted by Wheeler—and, one hopes, a return to more consistent work. The single image we have so far of "The Queen of Katwe," shot largely on location in Uganda, is a reminder of Nair's superb use of color, which made even her failed Reese Witherspoon vehicle "Vanity Fair" (2004) visually arresting. The film is slated for release this fall.
- 1/6/2016
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Disney has released a first look photo (below) at Lupita Nyong'o in Mira Nair's adaptation of the book, "The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster," by Tim Crothers, which tells the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, also known as "The Queen of Katwe." She's also been the subject of short documentaries and news reports capturing her inspiring story.Watch one of them at the bottom of this post. In the film, Nyongo plays Phiona's mother, Harriet Mutesi; and newcomer Madina Nalwanga stars as Phiona. Joining them is David Oyelowo who plays a missionary teaching chess to local...
- 1/6/2016
- by Courtney
- ShadowAndAct
From Star Wars and Captain America to Pirates Of The Caribbean and Alice Through The Looking Glass, Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm presented their live action film slates this morning at the D23 Expo 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.
“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 Expo.”
After welcoming the crowd to D23 Expo 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President...
The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.
“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 Expo.”
After welcoming the crowd to D23 Expo 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President...
- 8/15/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From 6000 pearls to just 1: Uganda. Excited to be back in East Africa to work with #MiraNair on #QueenOfKatwe. #MaishaAlive #nofilter A photo posted by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Mar 28, 2015 at 5:36pm Pdt It appears this will be Lupita Nyong'o's next film after all (after "Star Wars," which will be out later this year). The actress has arrived in Uganda to begin production on director Mira Nair's adaptation of the book "The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster," by Tim Crothers, on Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, also known as "The Queen of Katwe." She's...
- 3/30/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
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