The First Grader (2010)

Recently released at the Toronto Film Festival, and now at the London Film Festival, Justin Chadwick's film The First Grader is an inspirational achievement. Set in the troubled country of Kenya, The First Grader is based on the real-life story of Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge, who wants to go to school after the Kenyan government declare free education for all, even though he is in his eighties!

As Maruge battles with the school authorities, as well as the government, to win his place at his local school, he also struggles with his horrific past as one of the Mau Mau fighters. During the British colonial rule of Kenya, a group of freedom fighters emerged called the Mau Mau, who swore an oath to rid its nation of the British and give it back to the African people. The conflict between the loyalists and the freedom fighters was intense, and some Mau Mau, such as Maruge, were subjected to torture.

Unlike many films which are set in the continent of Africa, Chadwick has taken a more positive and uplifting route for his film. Yes, there are moments of violence and unspeakable cruelty, but these are needed to embolden the film's message, which is about the power of education. The journey that Maruge goes on, and the effect this has on his local town as well as the country, is inspirational and emotional, with many moments of humour and joy. A great lesson for the world's youth and adults.

There are aspects of the film which are less than perfect, Chadwick used actual people from the area, and kids who were not actors, but this does not stand out too much in the movie. British actor Naomie Harris is excellent as the ferocious school teacher Jane, and the cast as a whole perform with a stark realism that is fundamental to the film's success.

Africa represents an unexplored gold mine for Hollywood stories. The vast amount of drama and conflict within the continent would provide 50 years of films. But Chadwick, as a British director, has created a film which is sensitive to the issues of Kenya, and given the people something to be proud of after such a tumultuous history.