Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is headed back to the big screen with a starring role in the inspiring new Disney film, Queen of Katwe.
Set in rural Uganda, Queen of Katwe tells the amazing true story of 10-year-old chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi and how her resilient spirit in the face of multiple hardships led her to greatness. Phiona is played by new comer Madina Nalwanga, while Lupita plays Phiona’s mother Harriet and Selma star David Oyelowo plays former chess champion Robert Katende, who eventually becomes Phiona’s mentor.
Lupita, who just recently received her first Tony Award nomination for her performance in Broadway’s Eclipsed, said both the idea of playing a mother and the chance to work with director Mira Nair drew her to the film. However, it was the experience of learning about Ugandan culture that she enjoyed most.
“There is an ease in the Ugandan demeanor that is very welcoming. I love the melody of the accent, the food, the music and the people’s inherent style. There was a familiarity with my home country being right next door but also complete surprise in what was so different,” she told EW. “The slum of Katwe is a very difficult place to live, but you see these people living there with dignity.”
Queen of Katwe isn’t set to hit theaters until September 23, but one look at this trailer will have you as eager we are to see this film in full immediately.