The First Grader, Sept 7 & 8
by
THE FIRST GRADER, Kenya/UK 2010
Directed by Justin Chadwick
starring Oliver Litondo, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge and Nick Reding
Wed, Sept 7, 7:00 pm
ICE Theaters Lawndale
3330 W Roosevelt Road
Thursday, Sept 8, 7:00 pm
ICE Theaters Chatham
210 W 87th Street
icetheaters.com | blackworldci
Admission: $5.00
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, eventually ending up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps.
Black World Cinema, a showcase of seldom seen classic features and new films from around the world. Black World Cinema presents films by filmmakers that bring us story with compelling content and a human dimension seldom presented in mainstream cinema.
All screenings are followed by lively discussions moderated by program director Floyd Webb or local scholars, screenwriters and directors.
Screenings occur the first Wednesday at
ICE Theaters Lawndale
3330 W Roosevelt Road
And first Thursday of every month at
ICE Theaters Chatham 14
210 W. 87th Street
Chicago, IL