Queen of Katwe is the latest film to be announced as part of the 2016 BFI London Film Festival.
Queen of Katwe
The movie, which is directed by Mira Nair, will receive its European premiere when it screens at the Odeon Leicester Square on Sunday 9th October in the festival's headline gala section.
Queen of Katwe marks the return of Nair to the director's chair for her first feature film since The Reluctant Fundamentalist. She has brought us movies such as Monsoon Wedding and Amelia during her career and it is always exciting to see one of her films on the horizon.
Speaking about the movie's inclusion in the festival, Nair said: "It makes me very proud that the European premiere of Queen Of Katwe, a film so close to my heart, and set in my hometown of Kampala, will take place at the BFI London Film Festival. I have so many fond memories of London. We are proud to be back."
Queen Of Katwe is the seventh film directed by Mira Nair to be presented at the Festival, following Salaam Bombay! (1988), Mississippi Masala (1991), Monsoon Wedding (2001), Vanity Fair (2004), Namesake (2006) and The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012).
The movie is based on an incredible true story and inspired by the book by Tim Crothers. William Wheeler, who wrote the screenplay for The Reluctant Fundamentalist, has penned the screenplay.
The director has brought together an impressive cast list as Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo are set to star. We are also going to be introduced to the acting talents of Madina Nalwanga, who will take on the central role of Phiona Mutesi. This will be her acting debut.
Queen Of Katwe is the vibrant true story of a young girl, Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende (Oyelowo) a soccer player turned missionary.
As a result of the support she receives from her mother Harriet (Nyong'o), family and community, Phiona is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
The 60th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® takes place from Wednesday 5 October-Sunday 16 October 2016. The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 1 September 2016.
Tagged in London Film Festival