Walking The Red Carpet For Disney’s Queen Of Katwe Premiere

Earlier this week I attended the LA Premier of Disney’s Queen of Katwe, it took place at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood California. Queen of Katwe is a story of a young girl who learns to play chess, through real life struggles she finds her way to becoming the first youngest player in the Chess Olympics in Russia. This story follows Phiona and her family as they struggle in their hometown Katwe. It is a beautiful and moving story that I think everyone should see this fall!

It’s always an amazing experience to walk the red carpet for any event, each one is always unique and Disney is always making it an awe inspiring set to walk through. To get in you must have a ticket and a wristband, I was able to sit in the 2nd row back in the theater. Half the excitement in my eyes is getting ready for the event, the weeks leading up to the event with many hours of preparation is put to the test on the day of the premier. You get one shot at getting your makeup right and hoping and praying you don’t sweat it off before the night is over.

For this Red Carpet walk the carpet was actually Maroon, which I felt fit the theme of the movie beautifully. Not only do you get to walk on this special carpet and spot the stars of this movie, but you get to walk alongside the stars of many other shows.

My Outfit

I wore a black dress with a cut out neck top, along with some black high heels. Silver and black bangles and dangle hoop earrings with black beads. My makeup with simple with a smokey black eye and some red lipstick to give me that pop that I needed to walk the carpet. My hair was straight/curly pulled back with a silver embellished clip. I carried a gold and embelsished handbag that helf my shhhh….pocket flats for later on in the night when my feet were screaming! How do you like it?

Red Carpet Walk Way at El Captain Theater in Hollywood California  (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The movie posters lined the walls of the Red Carpet showing the beautiful cast of this movie. Having already seen this movie the night before, walking the carpet and seeing the posters in person gave them all a new meaning. To have seen what Phiona’s life was like and to walk alongside the posters was an honor.

You know you have made it to the end of the carpet when you reach the beautiful lit up sign the El Capitan Theatre hosts. This time it is lit up with this wonderful movies poster Queen of Katwe. This picture does not to this sign justice, it’s more beautiful and extravagant in person than it is on film.

Before heading into the theater I spotted some of the stars of the movie standing in front of the gigantic poster just before you enter the theater. Madina Nawlagna was gorgeous in her dress and the Martin Kabanza stood so handsome in his suit. Before I knew it the costume designer and a few other stars had joined her, the costume designer sent Madina into a beautiful spin showing off her gorgeous skirt that dazzled as it spun in the flashing lights of the many of us capturing glimpses of her and the cast.

Moments later we were all ushered into the theater to take our seats. After I grabbed a drink and of course some delicious popcorn I took my seat and was ready to watch this movie a 2nd time. This being my 2nd time watching the movie I tried to look more into the movie to find things I hadn’t seen during my 1rst screening. I found myself being thrown back into this inspiring story getting goosebumps every few minutes.

The Stars on The Carpet

Madina Nawalnga and Martin Kabanza (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Real Life Inspirations: Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Chess Coach and Director of Sports Outreach in Uganda, Robert Katende, Ugandan national chess champion Phiona Mutesi, Director Mira Nair, actors Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and Martin Kabanza arrive at the U.S. premiere of Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

After the show is the after party which was hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe right across the street of the theater. With many desserts and food tables lined up, a girl could really enjoy herself and get quiet full. With a short walk down some stairs, you can enter the dance floor which Madina took full advantage of.

Martin Kabanza, Lupita Nyong’o (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Madina Nalwanga, Robert Katende, Tendo Nagenda (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

It was a joy watching her dance with her beautiful smiling lighting up her face the entire time. Robert joined in and had the same beautiful lit up smile as Madina. A Truly happy moment for the both of them to get down and dance with their friends and of course the amazing Lupita.

If you haven’t seen the trailer for this inspiring movie yet, you can view it below along with a quick recap of the movie itself.

Also don’t forget to listen to the #1 Spice Music Video which I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with. My kid’s and I love this song! You can’t help but dance when you hear it.

“Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Recognizing

Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling.

She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family. Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 201

Directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (“The Darjeeling Limited”) and John Carls (“Where the Wild Things Are”) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.