It's been a long time since I've seen a movie that moved me the way Queen of Katwe did. As a mother—and as a mother of young girls—and as someone who use to work in international development services, this movie spoke to me in ways no movie has in years. I can't urge you enough to see it. Never underestimate the power of what someone can do when people believe in them and lift them up. It is empowering. Chess is often used as a metaphor for power, and in this movie, it literally symbolizes how the pawn or “little man” can rise to become the queen. Here's why you have see the Queen of Katwe.
Believe in your children and support them.
You are the number one supporter and advocate for your children. Your children can do and be anything, and the more you support their dreams, the further they can go. As a parent, you should always want your children to aspire to achieve more in live and do better than you did. As a mother, this film is a reminder that I want my children to achieve great things in life and my support can help them get there—even if they were to have few other advantages in life, the undying support of their parents is enough to really empower them to do great things.
Do not let others bring you down.
Phiona Mutesi doesn't let the boy who insults her at the chess tournament bring her down. She makes a conscious decision to not allow his negativity to change her determination in a negative way, but rather she uses it to insight a change inside her self and show him just how little his rudeness and insults mean to her.
Never give up.
Phiona almost gave up after losing one big chess match, but she chose to persevere and move forward. If you don't move forward you don't stand a chance at doing great things. Teaching your kids the importance of not giving up, trying new things, and learning how to persevere in even the worst of circumstances is one of the best live skills you can instill upon them.
I’ve been invited to an all-expenses paid trip to LA. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Looks like a great movie. I can’t wait to see it.