Queen of Katwe (2016)

Phiona Mutesi has nothing. No education, no home, no opportunities. The slums of Katwe are all she’s ever known. But that all changes in one day. The day she meets Coach Robert Katende. He hands her a bowl of porridge. She sits. She learns. What she learns could change her life. She entered his Cristian youth group with a hope to just survive and left with a reason to thrive! But can she escape her fate? Will The Queen Of Katwe come out victorious?

This film was set in the slum of Katwe and shot in the actual place! This is so impressive and explains the realism of some dramatic, tragic scenes.

The only thing that could have improved this film for me would be less scenes with Harriet and more of Phiona and her Coach. Despite this, the casting was impeccable! The only other star was David Oyelowo, who played Robert Katende and did it brilliantly! Of course, only an outstanding actress could play Phiona’s part. And Madina Nalwanga was that actress! The most incredible thing is that this was her first film, she was also discovered in a poverty-stricken state! It really hits home that people do have to live in places like this and not everyone is able to escape. Phiona’s mother was like a shadow of what she could become, and what so many slum kids have become.

Some features of this film that really shone (literally!) were the colours and soundtrack! The bright colours penetrated the hopeless atmosphere that consumed Katwe. Even just the bold colours of the clothing brought life to the film. As for the soundtrack, it enhanced every second of the film! And everyone in my Film Club loved the featured Number 1 Spice song!

I would recommend this film to ages 8+. I was thinking older, but no-one should have to miss out! This film was extremely true to the facts. Disney sometimes takes creative liberties and changes true stories to make them more watchable, but not here.

I also really loved that most of the actors were street kids; it brought a sort of authenticity to the film.

Phiona Mutesi and Robert Katende have lived incredible lives and showed us that where there's a will, there's a way!