Comox United Church will present the film Queen of Katwe on Friday, March 24, at 7 p.m.
This 2016 Disney film tells the true story of an 11-year-old African girl, Phiona, who learns to play chess, and goes on to become an international champion.
It was filmed in the slum of Katwe, near Kampala, Uganda where Phiona lived, showing the gritty reality of Ugandan slum life, and the inevitable culture clash she experiences in the world of international chess championships.
Phiona must learn much more than chess as she is exposed to life outside Katwe, and as she realizes that chess could fulfill her dream of escaping a life of poverty for herself, her mother, and her siblings.
The film credits are unique, showing the actual characters in real life, along with the actors who played their roles. Queen of Katwe has won awards as an inspiring family movie, including third place for the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
The showing will be at Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive in Comox. Admission is by donation.