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)Soundtracks
The First Grader
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Varese Sarabande
Year: 2011
Country: USA
Format: CD
Length: 49:22
1. | Maruge Digs | Alex Heffes | 02:20 |
2. | "Courage" - Vieux Farka Touré | 04:19 | |
3. | The School | Alex Heffes | 02:40 |
4. | Maruge Buys His Uniform | Alex Heffes | 01:56 |
5. | Buried Memories | Alex Heffes | 03:49 |
6. | The Raid | Alex Heffes | 02:47 |
7. | I Had A Family | Alex Heffes | 03:14 |
8. | Teach Me To Read | Alex Heffes | 02:30 |
9. | Maruge's Fame Spreads | Alex Heffes | 02:15 |
10. | The Execution | Alex Heffes | 03:48 |
11. | We Want Our Cut | Alex Heffes | 03:14 |
12. | The Childrens' Rebellion | Alex Heffes | 03:25 |
13. | Maruge's Speech And Jane Returns | Alex Heffes | 05:27 |
14. | Reading The Letter | Alex Heffes | 02:14 |
15. | "Walk On (End Title Song)" - Kawesa | Alex Heffes | 02:56 |
16. | Playground Song | Alex Heffes | 02:28 |