Queen of Katwe is undoubtedly the feelgood film of the year.
When David Oyelowo speaks, you listen. That’s not just because he has one of the greatest voices ever and is remarkably charismatic, but the new film starring the Golden Globe nominated actor, Queen of Katwe, is proof that real life events can be so much more interesting than any piece of fiction.
Nobody does uplifting and life-affirming stories quite like Disney, and Queen of Katwe has already proven to be a massive hit with critics around the globe.
The film revolves around 9-year-old Phiona who spends her days selling vegetables on the streets of Katwe, one of the most poverty-stricken slums in Kampala, Uganda. School isn’t an option for Phiona, although her mother, Harriet (Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o), does her very best to love, support and protect her family.
This being said, Harriet is totally consumed by the daily grind and worries that she can’t provide her children with a better life.
Everyone in the world has the potential for greatness, all it needs is someone to notice and nurture talent. Enter Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a kindhearted Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda who runs a chess program for the children of Katwe. By using chess as a tool to mentor and disciple young students, he allows them to think and create for themselves.
For Phiona, this finally means that she has the chance to achieve her dreams and become a Queen on this chessboard that we call life.
JOE’s own Paul Moore caught up with David Oyelowo to hear just how amazed he was by this remarkable tale, but that’s not all. We also asked him if he fancied an even bigger role in the Star Wars universe (he currently provides the voice for Agent Kallus in Star Wars Rebels)
Episode IX, anyone? Take a look.
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