The First Grader
This inspiring story of the power of education and the right to equality is something of a change of direction - and location - for Justin Chadwick, best known for tackling British period dramas such as Bleak House and The Other Boleyn Girl.
Set in Kenya in 2003, The First Grader is the story of Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an 84-year-old village elder who uses a government initiative to introduce free primary schooling to claim the education he has always craved.
A former Mau-Mau fighter, Maruge's desire to learn to read and write has been sparked by the arrival of an important letter from the government.
However, when he presents himself at the local school gates, he finds head teacher Jane (Naomie Harris) alone in being sympathetic to his cause: her colleagues are unenthusiastic and her superiors appalled.
Facing discrimination and downright hostility, Jane advocates on Marunge's behalf, but the battle is not so easily won...
Sandra Hebron: London Film Festival.
Starring: Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo