THE FIRST GRADER

Year: 2010
USA: National Geographic Entertainment
UK: Soda Pictures
Cast: Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge, Israel Makoe, Sam Feure, Dan 'Churchill' Ndambuki, Nick Reding, John Sibi-Okumu, Ainea Ojiambo, Lydia Gitachu, Melvin Alusa
Director: Justin Chadwick
Country: UK
USA & UK: 103 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 or some disturbing violent content and brief nudity
UK Certificate: 12A contains infrequent moderate violence and language
USA Release Date: 13 May 2011 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 24 June 2011 (Limited Release)

Synopsis

"It's never too late to dream."

When the Kenyan government promises free education for all, 84 year old Maruge makes his way to a remote primary school to get himself an education. An old Mau Mau warrior, he once fought for the liberation of his country, now he must fight for his right to learn.

Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) THE FIRST GRADER stars Naomie Harris (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) in the lead role. Full of vitality and humour, this is a true story of the power of education and the shocking untold history of British colonial rule in Kenya.