Monday, November 4, 2024

“Queen of Katwe” – An Inspirational Story of Achieving Your Dreams

Disney's Queen of Katwe
Courtesy of Google images.

As a child of missionaries, I traveled to many remote areas of the world starting at a very early age. I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Africa, but my parents didn’t start their outreach programs in that region until I was an adult. Every year, I see pictures from, and hear emotionally moving stories of, their time spent in Uganda. They always speak of how kind, hard-working, and lovely the people are there.

Lupita Nyong'o and Madina Nalwanga star in the triumphant true story QUEEN OF KATWE, directed by Mira Nair.
Lupita Nyong’o and Madina Nalwanga star in the triumphant true story QUEEN OF KATWE, directed by Mira Nair. Courtesy of Google images.

Walt Disney Pictures, ESPN Films, and Mirabai Films captured the true essence of Uganda and its people when making the film Queen of Katwe. It’s about chasing your dreams and never giving up on achieving them. The film is based on an inspiring true story of a young girl, Phiona Mutesi, played by actress Madina Nalwanga, as she learns the game of chess and pursues her dream of becoming an international chess champion.

Queen of Katwe Cast
Phiona Mutesi, played by actress Madina Nalwanga, playing chess on set. Courtesy of Google images.

Although most of the cast is young, some having little to no portfolio, each actor played to the big screen and accurately portrayed each character. The acting was whole-hearted, emotions, at times, were robust, and the story-line was relatable.

One thirteen-year-old movie goer said Queen of Katwe was “a really cool movie. It’s different from a lot of Disney’s other movies. It was cool to see how people live in other parts of the world and the struggles that they face. I might not be able to relate to everything Phiona went through, but my parents always remind me to dream big, just like [Phiona does] in the movie.”

No matter what area of the world you live in, no matter what background you come from, each one of us, young or old, can be inspired by the moral of this story:

“The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them.” Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Peace Prize Winner & President of Liberia

Movie times: click here

Genre: Biography, Drama

Actors:  Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza

Rating:  PG

Running Time: 1 hour 24 minutes



Ruth Klamper
Ruth Klamper
A graduate of Florida Southern College, Ruth has worked for ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, as well as the Home Shopping Network. She has traveled the world on mission trips and looks forward to planning her next adventure abroad.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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