The First Grader

Film

by Justin Chadwick

Details

Kenya, UK and USA / 2010 / 103mins / Biographical Drama / English

Set in a mountain village in Kenya, the film tells the remarkable true and uplifting story of a proud old Mau Mau veteran who is determined to seize his last chance to learn to read and write - and so ends up joining a class alongside six year-olds. Together he and his young teacher face fierce resistance, but ultimately they win through - and also find a new way of overcoming the burdens of the colonial past.

Trailer

About the Director

Justin Chadwick

Justin Chadwick was born in Salford, UK, brought up in Manchester and Bolton. His mum is an art teacher. Justin joined Bolton Little Theatre and played Billy Casper in Kes at 11. He then joined Manchester youth theatre and played Jan in the world premiere of Ian Serraillier’s The Silver Sword at Oldham Coliseum at 14. Justin graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Performing Arts Drama from Leicester. Throughout college he was part of NSDF (National Student Drama Festival). Justin is an award winning theatre, television and film director. He notably shot The First Grader, starring Naomie Harris for Origin Pictures / Sixth Sense Productions for BBC Films and the UK Film Council. His first feature film was the highly-acclaimed The Other Boleyn Girl, which premiered at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival, starring Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. Learn More