African inspired films Africa United and First Grader will screen at the BFI London Film Festival which begins on October 13th, 2010.
First Grader
“Writer: ANN PEACOCK (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Director: JUSTIN CHADWICK (The Other Boleyn Girl, Bleak House).
Producer: DAVID M. THOMPSON, SAM FEUER, RICHARD HARDING
Cast: NAOMIE HARRIS (Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End and Dead Man’s Chest), OLIVER LITONDO
Drama / 2010 / 98′ / English-Kikuyu
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 (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.
The First Grader is a heart warming and inspiring tale of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order 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.”
Africa United
“AFRICA UNITED tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream – to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg.
On the way to the vital selection trial, disaster strikes when Fabrice, Dudu and Beatrice board the wrong bus and cross into the Congo. Without papers, money or a believable story, they are escorted to a children’s refugee camp. But with considerable ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), our pint-sized heroes escape the camp and set off in pursuit of their dream, picking up along the way a “dream team” of displaced kids, who help them negotiate a series of thrilling and hilarious adventures.
During their 3000 mile journey, we encounter an Africa few people ever see; experience an epic adventure across seven countries; and feel the joy, laughter and hope that comes from making an incredible journey together. AFRICA UNITED is the feature-length directorial debut by Debs Gardner-Paterson.”
The BFI London Film Festival will be held from October 13th to October 28th, 2010. For more information visit London Film Festival website.
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