Directed by:
Justin ChadwickScreenplay:
Ann PeacockCinematography:
Rob HardyComposer:
Alex HeffesCast:
Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Nick Reding, Vusi Kunene, Gilbert K. Lukalia, Mumbi Kaigwa, Melvin Alusa, Oliver Litondo, Kamau NdunguVOD (1)
Plots(1)
When the Kenyan government promises free education for all, 84 year-old Maruge (Oliver Litondo in his debut role) makes his way to a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush to get himself the education he has always been denied. A former Mau Mau warrior, fifty years earlier he fought for the liberation of his country and now he must fight for his right to learn to read and write in a class of six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane (Naomie Harris) 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 an old man. Full of humour and vitality, The First Grader uncovers the shocking untold history of British colonial rule in Kenya and tells the remarkable, inspirational story of one man's determination to learn in the face of adversity. (Soda Pictures)
(more)Cast
Naomie Harris
UK
Best movies:
Frankenstein (2011) (theatrical recording)
Skyfall (2012)
Poppy Shakespeare (2008) (TV movie)
Tony Kgoroge
Best movies:
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Lord of War (2005)
Blood Diamond (2006)
Nick Reding
UK
Best movies:
Blood Diamond (2006)
Croupier (1998)
The Constant Gardener (2005)
Vusi Kunene
South Africa
Best movies:
Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)
The First Grader (2010)
The Bang Bang Club (2010)
Gilbert K. Lukalia
Best movies:
The First Grader (2010)
Soul Boy (2010)
Kidnappet (2010)
Mumbi Kaigwa
Best movies:
The Constant Gardener (2005)
The First Grader (2010)
Die Patriarchin (2005) (TV movie)
Melvin Alusa
Best movies:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
The First Grader (2010)
Oliver Litondo
Kenya
Best movies:
The First Grader (2010)
The Lion of Africa (1987) (TV movie)
Sheena (1984)
Kamau Ndungu
Best movies:
Sense8 (2015) (series)
The First Grader (2010)
Nairobi Half Life (2012)