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 NdunguPlots(1)
In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, 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 (Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, 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 (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 such an old man. Full of vitality and humor, the film explores the remarkable relationships Maruge builds with his classmates some eighty years his junior. Through Maruge's journey, we are taken back to the shocking untold story of British colonial rule 50 years earlier where Maruge fought for the freedom of his country, eventually ending up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps. (official distributor synopsis)
(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)