Have you heard the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi? Disney’s new film, Queen of Katwe, starring Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o and Guideposts’ October 2015 cover star David Oyelowo, tells how a young woman from Katwe, Uganda went from living in poverty with her family on the streets to international chess champion.
When Phiona was 9 years old, she stumbled upon the Christian outreach ministry for children led by a missionary named Robert Katende. Phiona came for the free food but stayed when Katende began to teach Phiona to play chess. She learned quickly and showed signs of being a prodigy. With Katende coaching her, she began winning local chess competitions and competing internationally. Thanks to Katende’s compassion and care, Phiona learns to believe in herself and inspires her whole community to dub her the “queen” of Katwe, but Phiona always keeps her focus on God.
Watch this exclusive clip from Queen of Katwe and be sure to see the heartwarming film in theaters everywhere September 23.