Untitled Document

The First Grader

In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government.

One new applicant causes a stir: he is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an 84 year old war veteran, desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. Maruge fought in the 1950s (when Kenya was known as British East Africa) for freedom from British colonial rule, and now feels he deserves the chance to an education. A teacher (Naomie Harris) supports his plea against opposition from parents and officials who see it as time wasting. The movie explores the relationships he builds with his six-year-old classmates and highlights the effect of colonial rule in Kenya which included British detention camps.

From the director of The Other Boleyn Girl, this true story was shot on location and involved Kenyan kids who had never even seen a film or television set before let alone been involved in a filming process.

Starring Naomie Harris, Nick Reding, Tony Kgoroge, Vusi Kunene, Sam Feuer, John Sibi-Okumu, Oliver Litondo

Directed by Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl')

Written by Ann Peacock





	The First Grader In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes a stir: he is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an 84 year old war veteran, desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. Maruge fought in the 1950s (when Kenya was known as British East Africa) for freedom from British colonial rule, and now feels he deserves the chance to an education. A teacher (Naomie Harris) supports his plea against opposition from parents and officials who see it as time wasting. The movie explores the relationships he builds with his six-year-old classmates and highlights the effect of colonial rule in Kenya which included British detention camps. From the director of The Other Boleyn Girl, this true story was shot on location and involved Kenyan kids who had never even seen a film or television set before let alone been involved in a filming process. Starring Naomie Harris, Nick Reding, Tony Kgoroge, Vusi Kunene, Sam Feuer, John Sibi-Okumu, Oliver Litondo Directed by Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl') Written by Ann Peacock True Story, Drama \| Rated (M) \| contains violence & offensive language \| Origin: UK \| NZ Distributor: Hopscotch \| Official Site »