Directed by Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl'), 'The First Grader' stars Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge and Oliver Litondo.

Shown at various venues, the film recently was runner-up for the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

In a small, remote mountain-top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance at 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 (Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties who is desperate to learn to read. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he should have a chance at the education so long denied him--even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside a group of 6-year-olds.

'The First Grader' is a heartwarming, inspiring tale of one man's fight for what he believes is his right to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. As Maruge himself said, "the power is in the pen."

National Geographic Films just picked up distribution rights on the film.