The Inspiring True Story Behind the Disney Film Queen of Katwe

One of the most anticipated films of the fall season, Queen of Katwe is the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan chess prodigy who became a Woman Candidate Master after her performances at the 2010 World Chess Olympiads. Phiona’s story first went viral several years ago after sports writer Tim Crothers published an in-depth profile on the chess champion for ESPN. Crothers was so captured by Phiona’s story, he went on to publish a full biography titled The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster. Walt Disney Pictures quickly optioned the rights to the book.