jonahbonah: 4 Lessons Learned in Disney's Queen of Katwe

This post is sponsored by Disney Pictures. I was invited to a prescreening for Queen of Katwe, all opinions are my own.

When I received the invitation to go see an early screening of Disney's newest film Queen of Katwe, I was thrilled. I had seen images and heard buzz floating around social media, and I wanted to see what this movie was all about. I took my 7-year-old daughter, McKinley, with me. I was worried that the movie would be too advanced for her, or that she would find it boring. Her thoughts were the exact opposite. Read on to learn why.

"Sometimes the place you are used to is not the place you belong." - Robert Katende

Queen of Katwe, based on a true story, is breathtaking. From the moment the movie begins you'll be captivated by the sights and sounds of Uganda, the location filming took place in. Having never travelled outside of the United States, I found my mind wandering to what it must be like to live in a country stricken with such poverty. The homes were merely unstable structures with tin roofs, one house literally propping the next up. They didn't have floors or doors, like we know in our country. The windows were simply cut outs in the walls. As soon as the sun rose each day, the people of the village ventured out to sell their harvests or wares.

We have it SO good. The way of life in Uganda, as shown in Queen of Katwe, hasn't left my mind since seeing the film. I think it's important for us, as parents, to show our children how other boys and girls live. We are a blessed country. Truth be told, our children are spoiled. I want all of my kids to see this film, so they can appreciate the game systems, toys, and clothing they have.

Family comes first. I have a large family of five children. Watching how Harriet [played by Lupita Amondi Nyong'o], Phiona's mother, has unwavering strength and determination to see her children succeed, is inspiring. She faces loss, homelessness, tragedy, tough decisions, and so much more. Yet, she holds her head high and smiles.

Believe in yourself. Phiona [played by Madina Nalwanga] questioned her ability to beat the boys who she competed against. She even nearly gave up. In the end...oh, you'll HAVE to see for yourself.

Not everyone can be a winner. In today's society, everyone gets a participation trophy. I love, that in Queen of Katwe, not everyone wins. You must work hard to win.

Queen of Katwe is a BEAUTIFUL film. My 7-year-old is still talking about the beautiful girl who beats the boys in that game. "What's it called, mama?" Chess. "Yes, chess."