Reviews:

Neil Smith, Total Film: "Oliver Litondo brings a quiet dignity to the role, even clad in school uniform, while Naomie Harris exudes positivity as the teacher who champions his cause."

Graham Young, Birmingham Mail: "While too many young people take education for granted in this country, The First Grader illustrates the need for older folks to be educated, too."

Jason Solomons, Observer: "Wholesome and uplifting in the classic carpe diem manner."

Official Site: http://www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com/
IMbD: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790663/

Algoma Int'l Films is a member of the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival. The Toronto International Film Festival Group is a charitable, cultural and educational organization devoted to celebrating excellence in film and the moving image.

... the newest and most significant in Canadian and International films right here in Sault Ste. Marie. The Algoma International Film Association promotes the viewing and appreciation of films not usually available to the community commercial cinema. Welcome to the first half of our 44th season! All films are screened on Sundays at 7:00 pm at Galaxy Cinemas. Our membership fee is $20, ticket prices are $6 for members and $10 for non-members, and passes are $80 (includes membership and all movies for the year).

The First Grader

Year: 2010
Country: UK/USA/Kenya
Director: Justin Chadwick
Leads: Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Sam Feuer
Genre: drama, biography
Runtime: 103 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for some disturbing violent content and brief nudity.
Language: English/Kikuyu Dutch / German

At the age of 84, Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge (Oliver Litondo) decides to go to school after the government of Kenya announces it will offer free primary education. When he shows up on the doorstep of a rural school, head teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomi Harris) turns him away. Maruge is determined, though, and Jane eventually relents. Full of vitality and humour, the film explores the remarkable relationships Maruge builds with his classmates some eighty years his junior. An inspiring true story about the transforming force of education.