Our first film is Queen of Katwe, screening Saturday, September 24 at 7 pm.
When young Phiona (Madina Nalwanga in her acting debut) is introduced to the sport of chess, it’s immediately apparent she has a gift, and with the support of her coach (David Oyelowo), her family (Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o), and her rural community, she’s given the confidence necessary to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
Based on the inspiring true story of one young Ugandan girl’s journey from selling corn on the streets of Kampala to performing gambits against world-class chess opponents in international competition, Queen of Katwe is a peerless work of entertainment from beloved director Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay!).
The documentary Keepers of the Game is our second selection, with multiple show times: Friday, September 30 at 7 pm; Saturday, October 1 at 12:30 pm; and Monday, October 3 at 4 pm.
Lacrosse was born in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory as a sacred game, traditionally reserved for men. Just off the reservation at Salmon River High in Fort Covington, NY an all-Native girls lacrosse team comes together, seeking to be the first Native women’s team to bring home a Section Championship. But first, they will have to overcome their crosstown rivals, Massena High.
As the season comes to a head, the team is faced with increasing ambivalence in their own community and the girls must prove that the game of lacrosse is their rightful inheritance. With more than just the championship on the line, the girls fight to blaze a new path for the next generation of Native women, while still honoring their people’s tradition in a changing world.
Exciting game footage and moving personal portraits combine to take you along on the team's inspiring ride to the championship game.
We're excited to promote these inspirational films of struggle and triumph and proud to support this local cultural event. For information on these movies and more, check out the fest at the link below.
