Hollywood star Lupita Nyong’o is excited about the premiere of Uganda chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi’s film, Queen of Katwe. For her Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW), she posted a picture of Madina Nalwanga, who takes on the role of Mutesi in the film due for release on September 30th and October 1st in Hollywood and Kampala, respectively.
Lupita who stole the hearts of Hollywood film fanatics when she starred Twelve Years a slave, features in this film by Mira Naire Mutesi’s mother. She posted on her facebook page with the hash tag WCW “Introducing the oustandingly talented, beautiful, kind-hearted, good-spirited, loyal, loving, curious, absorbant, cheeky, electric, bright bright STAR of our Queen of Katwe, Madina Nalwanga. She brings the true story of Phiona Mutesi, Uganda’s chess prodigy, to life on screen…”
Indeed, Queen of Katwe is another much anticipated film inspired by a Ugandan story after “Last King of Scotland” and “Machine Gun Preacher” whose start scene was in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. Over the past decade, more mention Uganda have been made in Hollywood films and set a precedent for international interest in the Pearl of Africa.
Queen of Katwe
Popular for her quote “Your dreams are Valid”, Lupita was wisely chosen by producer Mira Nair to star in the film which talks about the aspirations and dreams of a young girl from the slums of Katwe. Mutesi made it to international stardom when she won an international Chess challenge. She met black hero Barrack Obama, that her story shall continue to be an inspiration to many children across the world.
Apart from British star Leonah Lewis song “Thick Skin” being the soundtrack to the movie, the story inspired American singer/song writer Alicia Keys to write a song. “I was totally taken by Queen of Katwe. Phiona Mutesi’s story is so powerful, it just moved me to write a song, Come back to life.” she said.
Nigerian Hollywood stellar actor David Oyelowo is also cast in the drama as Coach Katende, who tutored Mutesi. It is quite epic, both Oyelowo and Lupita’s trials at trying to sound believably Ugandan. Currently, a picture is making rounds on social media of the poster of showing Lupita, Oyolewo and Nalwanga, abovea building in Hollywood.
The local premiere is due for a red carpet event on 1st October at Century Cinemax, Kampala. Queen of Katwe shall also go down in history as the first Disney-produced picture for an African premiere. Ugandans shall get to mingle with the coveted cast and crew. It will then start showing in African cinemas starting 7th October.
Video preview : https://www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo/videos/1063934370355129/
Alicia Keys Confession; https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/videos/1111485412233245/
dsebamala@ug.nationmedia.com