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THE FIRST GRADER

by Justin Chadwick

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

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