For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid Disney fan. You can play songs from Disney movies I watched when I was 7, and I can sing them all word for word. That’s why when I heard that Disney was coming out with a movie based on the true story of an African girl, I was ecstatic to say the least. The movie “Queen of Katwe,” which premiered in theaters on September 23rd, 2016, tells the story of Phiona Mutesi. Mutesi is a young girl from Katwe, one of the largest slums in Uganda, who discovers her hidden talent for chess, and this talent takes her to places she never imagined she would go. In addition to the numerous fantastic reviews it has already received, there are several reasons why I am excited to see this movie.
1. Lupita Nyong’o Is In It
When I first discovered Lupita, I was smitten by her beauty. Her skin was literally flawless, her complexion was so even, she was fit; she was absolutely spectacular. I was also surprised by her popularity. Here was a dark-skinned African woman, and all over the internet people were glorifying her and praising her beauty. This was new to me because for a long time, I’d thought that Americans perceived dark-skinned girls to be undesirable, unwanted, unattractive, unappealing…you get my gist? It was hard for me to accept my own skin, so seeing how much people loved Nyong’o and how confident she was in her skin inspired me to love myself the way I was.
2. It’s A Whole New Take On Africa
Although Disney has done other movies which took place in Africa, animals mainly headed the cast. Every other live action movie shown in America only displays the negative things that happen in Africa. People are used to starving children shown in commercials, or child soldiers and Boko Haram in the news. This film tells the story of a young African girl who has a dream and achieves that dream. As an African girl myself, I take this a bit personally. It is nice to have a movie where we aren’t portrayed as slaves or sex objects, but as people with goals and ambitions. This movie showcases Africans in a completely different light than pop culture and American media does. We aren’t uneducated savages who are starving in mud huts; we’re educated, determined, and very capable of making something of ourselves given the opportunity to do so.
3. It’s Very Inspirational
Much like the slew of films and shows that have been coming out recently, "Queen of Katwe" is a movie that will inspire younger girls. Phiona isn’t a grown adult, she isn’t rich, and mostly importantly, she is not a man. She grew up without a father, her family cannot afford to send her to school, and they struggle to find food. In spite of all that, when she is introduced to chess, she doesn’t let her circumstance limit her. She grabs the opportunity she’s presented with both hands and runs with it. Even when things get tough and she wants to give up, she pushes through and becomes one of the first titled female Ugandan chess players. Her character will inspire young girls to go out and achieve their dreams, and to not let circumstances dissuade them from reaching their goals.
4. The Main Cast Is Fantastic
As a former theatre kid and a lover of the arts i appreciate good acting when I see it. The main cast in this movie will slap you in the face with their talent and credentials. Phiona Mutesi, the main character, is portrayed by Madina Nalwanga. This movie marks Nalwanga's acting debut, and as a Ugandan native herself, the actress's life largely mirrors the life of her character: a young girl who grew up in a poor neighborhood, barely able to afford an education, unearths a hidden talent, and before long she is touring the world and gaining fame. Nalwanga's life experience greatly enables her to accurately portray Mutesi. David Oyelowo plays Robert Katende, the man who dsicovered and coached Phiona. Oyelowo began acting in 1998, when he appeared in Maisie Raine as Sonny McDonald, and Brothers and Sisters as Lester Peters.He has been actively acting since then, on film and onstage. Nakku Harriet, Phiona's mother, is played by Lupita Nyong'O. The Mexican-born Kenyan actress has received several awards for her breakthrough role as Patsy in 12 Years a Slave and has since graced the cover of Vogue magazine 3 times. Nyong'o's portfolio is extensive, as the actress has dabbled in everything from Broadway to voice acting and everything in between. The chemistry between these three makes for some fantastic, believable story telling, which helps make the movie that much more enjoyable.
Lupita Nyong'o
David Oyelowo
Madina Nalwanga
