Hey guys! I’m so excited to announce that next week I will be headed back to Los Angeles for another press junket with Disney! While in town, I will get to see an advance screening of Queen of Katwe, walk the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the movie and also we will get to go behind-the-scenes for a special sneak preview of two of ABC’s Tuesday night comedies – “The Middle” (starring Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton), returning for Season 8, and new show “American Housewife” (starring Katy Mixon, most recently of “Mike & Molly”) – both of which portray relatable, “real” family life in two very different areas of the U.S.: the Midwest and Westport, CT. More info inside…
Monday, September 19th
Pre-screening reception with the “African-American Disney Resource Group”
Screening of QUEEN OF KATWE
Tuesday, September 20th
QUEEN OF KATWE Press Day
Group interview with real life inspirations Phiona Mutesi & Robert Katende
Group interview with Madina Nalwanga (“Phiona Mutesi”) & Martin Kabanza (Phiona’s brother “Brian Mugabi”)
Group interview with Lupita Nyong’o (“Harriet Mutesi”)
Group interview with David Oyelowo (“Robert Katende”)
Group interview with Director Mira Nair
QUEEN OF KATWE red carpet premiere
Wednesday, September 21st
“American Housewife” set visit and behind-the-scenes experience
“The Middle” set visit and behind-the-scenes experience
American Housewife (premieres Tuesday, October 11 at 8:30/7:30c) : Katie Otto, a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, raises her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut, filled with “perfect” mommies and their “perfect” offspring. Katie’s perfectly imperfect world is upended when her neighbor’s decision to move notches her up from her ideal social standing and sets her on a path to ensure that doesn’t happen, regardless of the consequences.
THE MIDDLE – ABC TV show: About “The Middle” (premieres Tuesday, October 11 at 8/7c): Two-time Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. Middle-aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country in Orson, Indiana, Frankie Heck is a harried wife and mother of three who uses her wry wit and sense of humor to get her family through each day intact. Frankie works as a dental assistant, and her unflappable husband, Mike, is manager at the local quarry and her sardonic partner in the daily grind that is raising their average – yes, most definitely average – family.
Once Upon A Time- (premieres Sept 25, Sundays 8/7c)Welcome to Storybrooke, a small town in Maine that you won’t find on any map. This town is full of magic, populated by fairytale characters once cursed by the Evil Queen Regina to live in our world—deprived of their memories and happy endings. Until Emma Swan came to town and changed everything. With the help of her son, Henry, Emma embraced her true identity as the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming—the Savior destined to break the Curse. But even after returning everyone’s memories, Emma’s mission was far from over. With the Curse broken, Mr. Gold (aka Rumplestiltskin) was free to bring magic to Storybrooke. And magic ALWAYS comes with a price…
“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from 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. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential.
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.
Queen of Katwe opening in select theatres on 9/23; everywhere on 9/30
