KIMANI MARUGE FILM ‘FIRST GRADER’ TO PREMIERE IN ITALY

Kenya’s oldest primary school student the late Kimani Maruge will be celebrated for his bravery and ambition in search for education.
A biographical film about the 84–year-old student dubbed the First Grader will be screened for the first time at the 67th Venice Film Festival that kicks on September 1 and runs through to September 11.
The movie, currently in post-production, features British and Kenyan movie stars.
The female lead is played by British actress Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean). She plays Jane Obinchu, Maruge’s teacher who got in trouble for allowing him to sit in class with the 6-year-old students.
Kenyan journalist and an actor Oliver Litondo, 62, plays Maruge, an octogenarian who did not let age stop him from taking advantage of the Free Primary School initiative to get the education he always wanted.
Other Kenyan actors cast in the film include John Sibi-Okumu (Chairman of Education), Comedian Dan 'Churchill' Ndambuki (DJ Masha), Lydia Gitachu (CNN Journalist), Mumbi Kaigwa (Education Secretary), Ainea Ojiambo (Education Officer), Abubakar Mwenda (Boie), Melvin Alusa (Mr. Mutahi's Aide), Charles Ouda (Adult School Teacher), Gilbert K. Lukalia (Mr. Mutahi, a Politician) and KTN News anchor Michael Oyier (Newsreader).
In addition to the Venice premiere, First Grader has already been accepted for the London Film Festival in November.

KENYAN ACTORS STAR IN NEW BBC MOVIE WITH HOLLYWOOD STARS

A BBC Films was shot on location in Kenya two weekends ago and it predominately features the crème of Kenyan actors.
The movie, The First Grader follows the life of the late 84-year-old Kimani Nganga Maruge who attempted to take advantage of a government initiative to give free elementary school education for all. Initially denied access to go the school with his fellow first graders, Maruge eventually took the government on in court.
The heart-warming drama was shot on location at Matasya and our source says, “Initially Maruge’s role was to be played by Morgan Freeman, but due to logistics he was replaced by Oliver Litondo. And that’s not it, RnB crooner Neyo will also make an appearance, but that is yet to be confirmed.”

Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest and Tomb Raider actress Naomie Harris is cast as Jane Obinchu she will act alongside Kenyan casts members like John Sibi-Okumu who plays the Chairman on board, Melvin Alusa plays Mr Njeri's Aide, poet and reality show contestant Cindy Ogana cast as the Rasta girl and Makutano Junction’s Ainea Ojiambo who plays the Educational Officer.


Another surprise actor, comedian Churchill plays the role of Masha, a matatu tout and DJ who has a string of relationships with some of the teachers in a local school. Speaking to Word is Churchill said, “The movie is basically trying to portray what happens in this country. I like the story line. It’s international. This movie is going to change cinematography in this country. I decided to take the role because in this industry, you need to build a healthy resume. I have to venture into these things and I’m seeing myself doing more movies in future.”