Six movies starring black actresses to set the mood for Women’s History Month

Queen of Katwe

The movie stars Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga, among others.

Plot

Living in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, it is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona, her mother Nakku Harriet and younger members of her family. She and her younger brother help their mother sell maize in the market. She also helps care for her baby brother. She tries her best to pull her weight in the family at such a young age, yet she can’t help but feel hopeless at times because of her background.

Her world, however, changes one day when she meets Robert Katende at a missionary program. Katende coaches soccer and teaches children to play chess at a local center. Curious, Phiona approaches and learns the game. She becomes fascinated with it and soon becomes a top player in the group under Katende’s guidance. What does the future hold for her? How will the changes affect her family?