THE FIRST GRADER
synopsis
The true story of Maruge, an old Mau Mau rebel in his eighties, who knocks on the door of a bush primary school, seeking the free education promised by the Kenyan government to everyone. Maruge fought for Kenya’s liberation and now feels he has earned the chance of the education he was denied for so long – even if it means sitting in a first grade classroom with six-year-olds. The teacher Jane Obinchu supports Maruge’s struggle, and together they face the opposition from parents and officials who think it’s a waste educating this old man.
original title: | The First Grader |
country: | United Kingdom, United States, Kenya |
sales agent: | Goldcrest Film Sales |
year: | 2009 |
genre: | fiction |
directed by: | Justin Chadwick |
film run: | 88' |
release date: | NL 18/08/2011 |
screenplay: | Ann Peacock |
cast: | Oliver Litondo, Naomie Harris |
cinematography by: | Rob Hardy |
film editing: | Paul Knight |
music: | Alex Heffes |
producer: | David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer, Richard Harding |
production: | Origin Pictures, BBC Films, Sixth Sense Productions, Blue Sky Films |
backing: | UK Film Council |
distributor: | A-Film Distribution |