Internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Mira Nair’s son Zohran Mamdani has composed the soundtrack for her new film Queen of Katwe, set to release in India on 7 October 2016.
Mamdani, also known as Ugandan rapper Young Cardamom, has curated the music for the film, along with music supervisorLinda Cohen.
The film’s makers are partnering with 15-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys (“Girl on Fire,” “No One”) The multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer’s new original song, “Back to Life,” appears in the film. The movie will premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016.
Related Post
Queen of Katwe is a heartwarming based on real-life events and chronicles the inspiring story of an underdog from the streets of rural Uganda. The film is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda who is introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende, a former missionary and soccer coach, and goes on to become an international chess champion.
She’s a young girl whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess; as a result of the support from her family and community she develops confidence and determination to pursue her dream to become an international chess champion.
The film stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
The film’s cutting-edge Afrobeat soundtrack was curated by Zohran Kwame Mamdani), who is the co-music supervisor, and who took inspiration on from the Katwe streets to immerse the audience in the modern sound of today’s Kampala. Mamdani is Nair’s son with her professor husband, Mahmood Mamdani (a Ugandan who teaches mainly in Kampala).
‘Queen of Katwe’ had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on 10 September.
