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Real-Life 'Queen of Katwe' Shares Incredible Story Of Perseverance

"Even in chess you can't learn to become a master without losing games."

It's a story so unbelievably inspiring it was destined for the big screen.

Disney's "Queen of Katwe" portrays the life of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a young girl living in the Ugandan slum of Katwe who discovers her knack for chess and rises to become one of her nation's top players under the guidance of her coach, Robert Katende (David Oyelowo).

In the video above, the real-life Mutesi and Katende share the lessons on hope and perseverance that they hope children will take away from the film.

"In life, there are failures, and even in chess you can't learn to become a master without losing games," Katende explains. "But what is more important, is your determination to keep on going."

"Queen of Katwe," directed by Mira Nair, was shot in Uganda and South Africa. The children in the cast are all from Katwe and it was their first time acting. It also stars Oscar-winning actress, Lupita Nyong'o as Mutesi's widowed mother, Harriet Mutesi.

"Queen of Katwe" premiered at TIFF and has received outstanding reviews. You can catch it when it hits theatres on September 23.

Be sure to watch the full inspiring interview with Mutesi and Katende above.

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