The First Grader

The First Grader Screening Report



Our screenings of The First Grader were extremely positively received by the 772 patrons in attendance. The First Grader currently is playing in Canada (but so far only in a few theatres (3) in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto). The film has opened in the U.S. but in it's third week is still only playing in 36 theatres. To get a view of how wonderful small independent films still struggle to get distribution, The First Grader opened in 3 theatres in the U.S., increased to 17 theatres in the second week and now is in 39 theatres. It has only grossed $138 000 to date. Incendies, which has been out a little longer has followed a similar slow path for theatre counts in the U.S. over its six weeks out: 3, 10, 11, 33, 59, 72 and has grossed $950 000 in the U.S. The 'blockbuster' mainstream films open in 4000+ theatres regardless of their quality and lack of critical reaction. For blockbuster films 4000 theatres can mean 6000+ screens. For an independent film 36 theatres means 36 screens. A gross of a few million dollars for an independent films is generally considered a success in light of the difficulty in obtaining distribution.

$1000 was donated to Ancaster Community Services and $500 to Music at Fieldcote from our screenings of The First Grader.




The First Grader Synopsis



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 (Oliver 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 (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 such an old man.

Full of vitality and humour, 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.

Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL/BLEAK HOUSE) from a script by Emmy-winner Ann Peacock (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, KIT KITTRIDGE), THE FIRST GRADER is a heart warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.

The filming process itself was quite extraordinary, as the children in the film – who are in many ways the stars – had never even seen a film or television set before let alone been involved in the filming process. Their involvement in the shoot was a totally novel experience for them and their enthusiasm and energy is captured beautifully on screen.




Running Time
Rating
120 minutes
14-A
Release to DVD: T.B.A.


Click on each image to see a larger picture.




The Critics Comment




Stephen Farber/Hollywood Reporter
Naomie Harris -- a veteran of small British movies as well as the gargantuan "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise -- brings so much passion to her performance. She conveys Jane's utter dedication while always leavening her performance with convincing moments of doubt and vulnerability. Litondo's innate dignity is another major asset to the production. Chadwick strikes a perfect balance between humor and tragic gravity, and the result is that an unknown story seems certain to stir the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Peter DeBruge/Variety
Director Justin Chadwick’s admirable effort manages to do more than inspire, educating auds with an important chapter in African history — specifically, the treatment of Mau Mau freedom fighters. Judging by its enthusiastic, wet-eyed reception at the Telluride Film Festival, pic should have no trouble filling seats in specialty release.

Phil Concannon/Phil on Film
The First Grader certainly looks smart thanks to Rob Hardy's strong cinematography, but the film is really grounded by its two leads. Naomie Harris gives a sensitive and appealing performance, while Oliver Litondo brings a rheumy-eyed dignity to the role of this unlikely hero.

David Gritten/The Telegraph
British director Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl, Bleak House) laudably establishes a strong sense of place. The film employs a real Kenyan village classroom - tiny, with five pupils to a desk. Chadwick makes the most of the adorable kids, and also makes Kenya look stunning without prettifying or romanticising it.

Dwight Brown/Indiewire
"The First Grader" is an inspiring story about the universal human urge to make our lives better. But this is more than just a high-concept fable; Maruge’s story is true. As adapted by screenwriter Ann Peacock and director Justin Chadwick ("The Other Boleyn Girl"), the film spins the tale in a timeless fashion, even as it builds a context from the specifics of one man’s life.

Matthew Turner/View London
Chadwick's direction is assured throughout, particularly during the schoolroom scenes, which have an authentic feel thanks to the use of a real school and its pupils.





Awards




Toronto International Film Festival: Runner up (to The King's Speech) for the People's Choice Award

Doha Film Festival: Audience Award

Palm Beach Film Festival: Best Film

Telluride International Film Festival: Debut Film




Related Links



Internet Movie Database
Official Web Site




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