The First Grader (2010)

Directed by: Justin Chadwick | 120 minutes | drama, biography | Actors: Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Sam Feuer, Nick Reding, Oliver Litondo

In 2002, the Kenyan government passed a law guaranteeing free education for all regardless of status, origin, creed or race. An 84-year-old illiterate man wanted to see if free education was also available to him and he applied to a school. His story forms the basis for the moving film ‘The First Grader’ (2010), directed by Justin Chadwick. A film that not only manages to tell an inspiring story, but also uncovers a little-known but crucial chapter in Kenyan history. Between 1952 and 1960, a Kenyan guerrilla movement called Mau Mau waged against the British colonial rulers. Little is known about this in the west, but for Kenyans it is an important episode in the recognition of their own identity and independence.

Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge (Oliver Litondo) has had to give up a lot in his long life, but he has always shown resilience. Now that the government is offering free education for everyone, he wants to learn to read so that he can finally read the letter the president sent him. But once at the gates of the nearest primary school, he is kindly but urgently sent away. The Kenyan education system is not geared towards adults. But Maruge doesn’t just let herself be pushed aside and returns every day. The persistence wins, as headteacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris) finally decides to let him into her overcrowded classroom, which is met with criticism from her colleague (Alfred Munyua). The parents of the other students also find it strange to say the least to see an eighty-something among the children. His past as a Mau Mau warrior has also left such deep wounds that even small things like the sound of a pencil sharpening can upset Maruge. Still, Obinchu keeps faith in her aged disciple. She even goes so far as to jeopardize her job…

There’s something comical about seeing such an old man among two hundred young children in a classroom. Screenwriter Ann Peacock and director Justin Chadwick (‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, 2008) may have deliberately added some light-hearted scenes to their story to make it easier to digest. They’re subtle, funny moments (Maruge stabbing his walking stick threateningly), not greasy jokes – that wouldn’t fit in a movie like this. Because ‘The First Grader’ is primarily a film that wants to convey a message: fight for your rights, even if you are opposed to it. The entire cast and crew, except for Harris, Chadwick and a handful of others, are from Kenya. For example, Litondo was once a news anchor for regional television and the children were plucked from schools. It gives the film its authenticity, partly because the events are based on facts. Even though the story is a bit dramatized towards the end and screenwriter Peacock regularly forces you in the desired direction, most viewers will be wrapped up by this inspiring story by then.

Our sympathy lies with Litondo, who has been through a lot. In flashbacks to his time as a Mau Mau warrior, he is played by Lwanda Jawar. These fragments are very different in tone – more violent, fierce – than the rest of the film, yet fit seamlessly into the whole because of the valuable history lesson it tells. The acting is fair to good, with Harris as the standout. She convincingly portrays the combative head teacher Jane Obinchu, who, as a woman in a male society, herself had to fight against the necessary prejudice and skepticism. Rob Hardy’s camera work gives the film a stylish look and the traditional African soundtrack completes it. ‘The First Grader’ is a heartwarming film. The story is told in a fairly conventional way and is here and there quite dramatized to achieve the right effect, but because it all remains honest you can easily go along with it. Inspiring, educational and moving.