'Queen of Katwe' at the 60th BFI London Film Festival

12 Oct 2016

4 mins

To celebrate the European premiere of Disney's inspiring new film Queen of Katwe at the 60th BFI London Film Festival, we interviewed Oscar®-winner Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, and director Mira Nair about the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl whose world rapidly changes when she's introduced to the game of chess. Through the support of her family and community, Phiona gains the confidence and determination to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.

In the video above, we talk to Lupita Nyong'o about the need for strong female characters and filmmakers, the importance of community and family support, and her own struggles with self doubt and how that has made her a better actor.

We really need to be able to see the world from more than our own perspective
Lupita Nyong’o, actor

Director Mira Nair talks Queen of Katwe

In the video below, director Mira Nair talks to our young reporter Anisha about the life lessons young people can learn from playing chess - from learning how to focus, to always thinking ahead - as well as the expectations and realties of working with Disney, and how they embraced the inspiring story of Phiona.

David Oyelowo talks Queen of Katwe

In the video below, Queen of Katwe actor David Oyelowo discusses why it's important to have mentors, the choreography behind the film's chess scenes, working with such a big group of young performers, and what he's learnt from his own mistakes.