Biographical drama starring Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o. Life in a Kampala shantytown is a struggle for young Phiona Mutesi, who must work in the market to help to provide for her family. But Phiona's world changes when she meets a mission worker who runs a local chess club.
Based on the story of a Ugandan child prodigy, this uplifting Disney film stars newcomer Madina Nalwanga as a poor girl from Kampala's Katwe slum who discovers she has an aptitude for chess. Her coach (David Oyelowo) believes her talent could take her away from her hand-to-mouth existence, but her mother (Lupita Nyong'o) has doubts. Anchored by terrific performances, this real-life rags-to-riches tale delivers a more nuanced and positive depiction of Africa than is normally seen on screen. Mira Nair's film includes some truly heart-stopping moments of tension, but more significantly represents a bold move into new territory for the House of Mouse.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Phiona Mutesi | Madina Nalwanga |
| Robert Katende | David Oyelowo |
| Harriet | Lupita Nyong'o |
| Mugabi Brian | Martin Kabanza |
| Night | Taryn Kyaze |
| Young Richard | Ivan Jacobo |
| Older Richard | Nicolas Levesque |
| Ivan | Ronald Ssemaganda |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Mira Nair |
