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Here Be Dragons co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless - opens 13 July. Admission included with ticket to the Galleries

1001 Stories Collection

Queen of Katwe

1001 Queenof Katwe
Added on 06th October 2020

Director Mira Nair
First released 2016

Identity and fairness
1001

Based on the story of chess champion Phiona Mutesi, this film follows her chance to escape a life of poverty though mastery of the game.

Story

This heart-warming tale is the story of Phiona Mutesi. Phiona grew up in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda. Life was tough for her and her family. One day she comes across a missionary group and sees Robert Katende teaching chess. He invites her in and she becomes fascinated with the game. With Robert’s help Phiona becomes a chess champion but has she got what it takes to become a Grand Master and lift her family out of poverty?

Why we chose it

Set in Uganda and inspired by a true story, a story of being poor and having dreams and what it takes to be able to follow them.

Where it came from

This is a true story of Phiona Mutesi, a chess champion and one of the first titled female players in Ugandan chess history. Disney became interested in her story after a book was published about her called The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster, written by Tim Crothers. Through her success in chess and the proceeds of the film, she has been able to provide for her family and is attending university in USA.

Where it went next

Phiona has attended four Chess Olympiads, representing Uganda. She now studies at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington and plans to major in Sociology. She hopes to return to Uganda and work with children in the slums.

Added on 06th October 2020

Director Mira Nair
First released 2016

Identity and fairness
1001