'Queen of Katwe' Might Checkmate Your Heart | Voice of America - English
When we hear stories or see images of Africa, they typically depict poverty, disease, war and struggle. A contrast to that image is Disney’s “Queen of Katwe,"  directed by Mira Nair, which brings to light the rise of Uganda’s top chess champion and her mentor.
I'm so thrilled to see a narrative set in Africa that highlights its beauty as well as shows 3-dimensional humanity A Phiona sandwich. The real Phiona on the left, Madina Nalwanga on the right. The film focuses on the life of Mutesi, who lives in poverty in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda. Nair’s film follows the journey of Mutesi as she discovers a love for chess. “Queen of Katwe,” illustrates the story many others are afraid to show. The actors and director were able to perfectly put to screen the connection between Phiona and Robert, as well as her mother's resistence. When interviewed at the Los Angeles premier of the film, Mutesi said about her mother: Mutesi must deal with the conflict of rising above her roots and life in Katwe. While feelings were mixed, it is hard not to deny that the overall film, Mutesi's compelling story, Nair directing and the actors portrayals made the film stand out among Disney's past productions and create a buzz. Mutesi's story won hearts worldwide.