The First Grader, co-produced by Videovision Entertainment, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival recently as well as at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival. The film has captured the hearts of critics and audiences. Shot in Kenya, it is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) and stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege. Written by South African born Emmy winner Ann Peacock, it is produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppenheimer and Norman Merry.
Based on a true story, The First Grader is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80’s, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied - even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane Obinchu supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man.
Executive Producer, Anant Singh said, “The screening of The First Grader at the Toronto Film Festival with the director, Justin Chadwick and lead stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Litondo and myself in attendance, was a resounding success. It screened at the prestigious Elgin/Wintergarden Theatre, and received an enthusiastic standing ovation. It is very satisfying to see an African film embraced by Canadian and American audiences and we are optimistic that the film will have a strong life in these markets. We are delighted with the rollout of the film from Telluride and then onto Toronto and that additional screenings had to be added at both festivals due to the demand from audiences.”
The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It will be released at cinemas in South Africa early next year through United International Pictures.