The sport which comes to mind when we think of Africa is running.
Africans, though by nature not rich in wealth are wealthy in mind and body!
They have the endurance to run long distances, fast!
And that is their fame to glory! They run, for survival.
Many a researcher has tried to understand the science behind their endurance. Many books have been written glorifying the lean powerhouses!
How easy we are to compartmentalise and stereotype!
This movie destroys this notion.
The continent has gone through drought, vast empty lands and poverty and death.
“You can ask yourself, ‘Why would so many people experience this kind of miserable place and not vacate?’ Because it is a place full of people with nowhere else to go.”
The movie I watched was about stark reality. Very similar to the slums in India, the absence of basic education, the unhygienic living conditions, the race for survival.
Into this is introduced a character so out of place and different. A man on a mission- a missionary with a new born baby and a wife who teaches at the local school.
Chess- a game of skill, a thinkers game, strategy, planning, intelligence and wit.
The young children are quickly drawn into the game by the missionary. He coaches them, teaching them life's survival through each move.
The Queen is a 14 year old, unassuming girl, she does not read, write or go to school.
Wise beyond her years, seen so much losses already in life, she picks up the game and applies her survival instinct to it.
“Losing teaches me to play better.”- Phiona
“Phiona Mutesi is the ultimate underdog. To be African is to be an underdog in the world. To be Ugandan is to be an underdog in Africa. To be from Katwe is to be an underdog in Uganda. To be a girl is to be an underdog in Katwe"
Tim Crothers, The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster
And this Ugandan girl from the slum slays her opponents, one by one, from every nation, with her calm demeanour, a controlled mind and a delightful smile!
We see her breaking down at times, when she sees failure, lost opportunities, ambitions being trampled upon, but the strong will of someone who has lost forces her to win!
Her coach believes in her, fights for her and the selflessness of the missionary man helps her succeed. That was all she needed, the belief and the support.
An inspiring story made into an intelligent movie, directed by Mira Nair, this movie has a star cast who represent the living characters so well.
Goes to say the poverty chain can be broken if we would all step in and do our bit to help those who are in need and need it most!
"What matters is when you reset the pieces and play a game.”
Phiona asked Kaitende, "Coach, you told us to make a plan but I fear things will never change.” and the above quote was his reply.
This is not just about Chess, but about Life!
Queen of Katwe
