Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is marking 10 years of Queen of Katwe by looking back on the Ugandan cast and filmmakers who made the Disney film special to her.
Nyong’o, who portrayed Harriet Mutesi, the mother of Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi, shared a tribute on Instagram as the 2016 movie reached its 10th anniversary.
“Happy 10th Birthday to Queen of Katwe! This movie is a gem, and if you missed it in 2016, it’s your move to watch on Disney+!” Nyong’o wrote.
The actress used the anniversary to highlight the Ugandan talent involved in the production, including Madina Nalwanga, who made her acting debut as Phiona, as well as Martin Kabanza and other members of the film’s production team.
For Nyong’o, the experience was about more than simply making a movie. She specifically remembered filming on the African continent under the direction of Ugandan-born filmmaker Mira Nair and developing a close bond with Nalwanga during production.
“The film was feel-good on and off-screen: I cherished making a movie on the African continent, working under the brilliant direction of Mira Nair, collaborating with my dear friend David O, and building a precious bond with Madina Nalwanga,” she wrote.
Nyong’o also revealed another personal connection that came out of the production: her friendship with Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who worked on Queen of Katwe as an assistant director and music supervisor.
Released in 2016, Queen of Katwe tells the true-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from Katwe, Kampala, whose talent for chess took her from a difficult upbringing to international competitions.
The film follows Phiona’s development under chess coach Robert Katende, while also focusing on the role of her family and community in her journey.
Directed by Mira Nair, Queen of Katwe starred Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and Nalwanga alongside several Ugandan actors. Ten years later, Nyong’o’s tribute is putting the spotlight back on the Ugandan talent and relationships that shaped one of Disney’s most distinctive African stories.