My Queen of Katwe Experience
This was a very magical week for me, I attended my second red carpet this year for the Queen of Katwe. When I received the invite to attend the red carpet premiere of the Queen of Katwe I was beyond excited. After screening the movie in June I knew I was special and I couldn’t wait to share about it with my readers.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) Tendo Nagenda; Mark Mugwana; Madina Nalwanga; Lupita Nyong’o; David Oyelowo; Sean Bailey; Robert Katende; Phiona Mutesi; Mira Nair; Martin Kabanza; William Wheeler; Alex Heffes
The red carpet wasn’t like my previous red carpet experiences. Traffic was thick when traveling to the El Capitan Theatre, the street wasn’t closed off so the carpet section was smaller than I expected. We arrived and there was a short line to get onto the carpet area.
Most red carpets have two sections, one for the big name celebrities, and another for studio executives, invited guests, and bloggers. We didn’t spend much time outside since we arrived just in time for the movie to start. Security was ushering guests inside the theatre for the start of the movie. We grabbed our popcorn, soda, and headed for our seats.
We were sitting in the second row in the front of the theatre, mingling with all the celebrities. I saw quite a few of the Disney child stars with their parents. We settled in for the premiere of the movie and it was even better the third time. Being in the theatre with all the people who worked on the movie, the stars, and invited guests it was amazing. I laughed, I cried, and I marveled at how amazing the movie was the third time around.
Prior to the screening we interviewed director Mira Nair and the last thing she said to us was how excited she was to see us dressed up on the red carpet. The entire group looked gorgeous, we slayed on that carpet and rocked the after party.
After the movie we walked across the street to the Hard Rock Cafe for the premiere after party and it was such a fun experience. We had the opportunity to mix and mingle with all the different celebrities in attendance. I spotted Jason George from Grey’s Anatomy and he was happy to take a quick selfie with me before heading in with his family.
We spotted Vanessa Bell Calloway and Choya started a conversation with her, she asked us about where we were from and how we liked the movie. She even said it was her second time and she loved it even more than she did the first time. We asked for a selfie and she was happy, even volunteering to take it for us.
While walking around we spotted the Madina and Martin heading to the dance floor and she started an epic dance party right in the middle of the party. Lupita eventually joined them on the dance floor as well. We ended up dancing the night away.
Madina Nalwanga (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
Madina Nalwanga and Martin Kabanza dances with Disney’s Tendo Nagenda dance at the U.S. premiere of Disney’s Queen of Katwe. (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
Martin Kabanza and Lupita Nyong’o dance (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
To get you dancing and bring a smile to your face I have to share the #1 Spice music video with you. It’s in the movie several times and appears at the end so be sure to stay during the credit and get your dance on.
The Queen of Katwe opens today in limited theaters and everywhere on September 30th. I highly recommend this movie for the entire family. It’s inspirational, moving, insightful, and showcases the beauty of Uganda.
“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
To learn more about the Queen of Katwe visit the website, Facebook, and Twitter. Remember the movie opens everywhere on September 30th.
