The film then proceeds to trace the ups and downs of success at competitions and tournaments for Phiona and her fellow Pioneers.
However, their talent wins the day and Phiona comes in first place. The group initially finds itself ill at ease among the other participants and the more affluent surroundings. Her coach, over the initial opposition of the local chess authorities, takes her and the team to a national school level tournament at a prestigious local school. She becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player in the group under Katende's guidance. Curious, Phiona approaches and learns the game. Katende coaches soccer and teaches children to play chess at a local center. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende ( David Oyelowo) at a missionary program. She also helps care for her baby brother. She and her younger brother help their mother sell maize in the market. Queen of Katwe will be released by Disney on September 23.Living in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona ( Madina Nalwanga), her mother Nakku Harriet ( Lupita Nyong'o) and younger members of her family. That way I can stand by my choices with confidence and be truly effective.” That said, I think it is very important to keep tabs on what my passions are, to listen primarily to my inner compass. “I delight in their fan art and their often hilarious memes. “I understand and appreciate people’s investment in my artistic pursuits,” she told us. While she’s aware that her fans want to see her face on the big screen again, Nyong’o recently wrote an essay for Lenny about pursuing her own distinctive career path, which currently includes a Tony-nominated run in Eclipsed on Broadway. “In the sense that I am returning to the screen in my body for the first time, I cannot think of a more exciting, powerful and hopeful true story to mark it,” she said. Nyong’o’s appearance in the Mira Nair–directed film is significant for a whole other reason: This is the first live-action role Nyong’o booked after her Oscar-winning turn in 12 Years a Slave, though she has also played an alien in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and a wolf in The Jungle Book. The music is perfect too it evokes the hope of the story, and the hard work that the whole cast and crew put in to bring it to the big screen.” “Seeing reminds me of our time on set, being around the astoundingly gifted children, and the distinct sights and smells of Uganda,” Nyong’o told us. It’s a talent that could take her out of Katwe, but a hesitant Harriet fears what will happen if Phiona’s dreams are dashed. Things take a turn when Phiona meets missionary Robert Katende (played by David Oyelowo), who cultivates the girl’s natural skill at chess. That fact-based story concerns Nyong’o’s character, Harriet Mutesi, who is raising her young daughter Phiona in the Ugandan slums of Katwe and pushes herself to provide for her children. “The trailer gives me chills - it reinforces how excited I am to be a part of this incredible cast and to help bring this story to the world.” “I’d be curious to know how many times you cry in the film!” Nyong’o told Vulture via email earlier today. The eagerly awaited trailer for the Lupita Nyong’o–starring Queen of Katwe just debuted, and if it makes you misty, just you wait.