The First Grader Scores at NAACP Image Awards

NAACP Image Awards

Maruge and the children welcome Jane back to school
(Photo : Kerry Brown)The First Grader, received five nominations for the 43rd NAACP Image Awards it was announced in the United States last week. The NAACP Image Awards are presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor outstanding people of color in film, television, music, and literature. The First Grader received nominations in the following categories: Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor (Oliver Litondo), Best Independent Motion Picture, Writing in a Motion Picture (Ann Peacock) and World Music Album (Alex Heffes). The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 17 February in Los Angeles.

The First Grader, shot in Kenya, is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl), stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and Israel Makoe, is written by South African born Emmy winner Ann Peacock, produced by Richard Harding, Sam Feuer and David M. Thompson, and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

Commenting on the nominations, producer Richard Harding said, “It is a huge honor for The First Grader to be recognized by an organization as prestigious as the NAACP. The nominations are a testament to the fantastic team we assembled, each of whom have contributed to its success.”

Producer, David Thompson commented, “I am pleased with the accolades that The First Grader continues to receive around the world. The film, which has the simple message that one is never too old to learn, is truly brilliant and we are happy that it has touched audiences internationally.”

Executive Producer, Anant Singh commented, “We are thrilled with the five NAACP Image Award nominations. Justin Chadwick did a fantastic job crafting an excellent film and Oliver’s performance in the film was really powerful and his nomination for the Outstanding Actor is well deserved. We are also delighted with the nomination for the musical talents of Alex Heffes and writer, Ann Peacock, whose South African roots gave the film an air of African authenticity.”

The First Grader, based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, 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, 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.

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and Israel Makoe. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by Richard Harding, Sam Feuer and David M. Thompson and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

Videovision's "The First Grader" Star is New Bond Girl

SKYFALL - 23rd film in the James Bond Franchise

Naomie Harris
Photo : Kerry BrownThe star of the Videovision Entertainment’s The First Grader, Naomie Harris, who plays the lead role of Jane Obinchu in the multi award-winning film, has been cast in the new James Bond film, Skyfall, the 23rd film in the James Bond franchise. Harris will play one of the most famous and memorable roles of the Bond franchise, that of Miss Moneypenny. Harris, who gives a powerful performance in The First Grader, won the Best Actress Award at the Kenyan International Film Festival last week for her role in the film. She has also received international acclaim for this role at leading film festivals including Telluride, Toronto, London, Tribeca Doha and a host of others.

The First Grader, which has a strong South African association with Videovision Entertainment being one of the co-production partners as well as featuring well-known South African actors Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge, Israel Makoe and Shoki Mokgapa, is written by South African born Emmy winner, Ann Peacock.

Last week, The First Grader scooped the main prizes at the Kenyan International Film Festival, winning the Best Actor (Oliver Litondo), Best Actress (Naomie Harris) and Best Film Awards. Among the awards the film has received are The DGB Trade Union Award - Audience Choice and The Bernhard Wicki Award - Best Film at the Emden International Film Festival; the Audience Award: Best Feature Film and Director’s Choice Award: Best Feature Film at the Sedona International Film Festival; the Audience Award at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival; Best Film at the Palm Beach Film Festival and was runner-up to The King’s Speech for the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival as well as the Audience Prize at the Durban International Film Festival. Music Composer, Alex Heffes, won the Discovery of the Year prize for his work on The First Grader at the 2011 World Soundtrack Awards held at the 38th Ghent International Film Festival.

The First Grader is currently on release in South Africa and is scheduled to be released in Kenya and the rest of East Africa and West Africa in December 2011.

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and Israel Makoe. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

Durban International Film Festival Audience Award for TFG

Durban International Film Festival

International Jury members of the Durban International Film Festival, Katrina Sedgwick (left) and Mansour Sora Wade presenting Executive Producer, Anant Singh with the Audience Award for THE FIRST GRADER.The First Grader, co-produced by Durban-based, Videovision Entertainment, won the coveted Audience Award at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival it was announced at the Festival’s awards ceremony. The film had its South African premiere on Sunday (24 July) at the Festival with actors Oliver Litondo and Tony Kgoroge, Executive Producer Anant Singh and Guest Of Honour, Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile in attendance.

The Audience Award at the Durban International Film Festival is further recognition for The First Grader which has won awards at top international films since it debuted at the Telluride Film Festival. Among the awards won by The First Grader are: The DGB Trade Union Award - Audience Choice and The Bernhard Wicki Award - Best Film at the Emden International Film Festival; the Audience Award: Best Feature Film and Director’s Choice Award: Best Feature Film at the Sedona International Film Festival; the Audience Award at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival; Best Film at the Palm Beach Film Festival and was runner-up to The King’s Speech for the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The First Grader has also received endorsements from former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and Whoopi Goldberg. Annan said, “The First Grader is inspirational and proves the old adage that one is never too old to learn,” while Goldberg commented, “A great movie. Brilliantly done. Fantastic! Run - do not walk - and go see this film.”

The First Grader, based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, 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, 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.

“We are delighted that that audience once again reacted so positively, especially at the premiere screening at the Durban International Film Festival,” said Anant Singh. “We are also delighted to have launched the film at the Festival and to continue our association and support for the Festival for the 25 years.” added Singh.

Director, Justin Chadwick commented, “Winning the Audience Award in Durban is brilliant news, especially for its forthcoming opening in South Africa. Wish I was there to share in this excitement.”

The First Grader will be released at cinemas nationally on 23 September 2011 by Videovision Entertainment through United International Pictures (South Africa).

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

For Further Information :

Nilesh Singh
Tel: 031 2046000
E-mail: nilesh@videovision.co.za
Web: www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com

Palm Beach Film Festival : Best Feature Film

Videovision Entertainment’s ‘First Grader’ Tops The Class at the Palm Beach Film Festival

The Videovision Entertainment co-production, The First Grader, won the Best Feature Film Award of the Palm Beach International Film Festival last night. The film, shot in Kenya, is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege, written by Emmy winner Ann Peacock, produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

The First Grader has been a hit at prestigious international film festivals since its debut at the Telluride Film Festival last September and the Toronto Film Festival where it was the runner up for the Audience Prize and the Doha Film Festival where it won the coveted Audience Prize.

“We are thrilled that The First Grader won the Best Feature Film Award at the Palm Beach Film Festival,” said Executive Producer, Anant Singh. “This accolade is further recognition for the film and its uplifting true story which realistically portrays the determination and tenacity of the human spirit against all odds.”

Director, Justin Chadwick commented, “The First Grader tells of a human story of one man’s determination to receive an education. The film clearly sends the message that one is never too old to learn, and I am delighted  that the film has won the Best Feature Film Award at the Palm Beach Film Festival.”

The First Grader, based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, 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, 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.

The First Grader has been acquired by the theatrical division of National Geographic Films for distribution in the United States where it will be released in May 2011 and will be released in South Africa later this year by Videovision Entertainment through United International Pictures (South Africa).

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

The First Grader Wins Audience Prize In Doha

Doha Tribeca Film Festival

The First Grader which was the Closing Night film at the Second Doha Tribeca Film Festival last night where it captivated audiences, garnering the Audience Prize for Best Narrative Film. The Award was presented to director, Justin Chadwick and the team by actor, Robert De Niro. Also in attendance were the leads, Kenyan star, Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris; Producer, David M. Thompson and Executive Producer, Anant Singh.

The First Grader has consistently been a hit with audiences since its screening at the Telluride, Toronto and London Film Festivals in September and was the Audience Prize runner-up at the Toronto Film Festival.

Commenting on the win, Anant Singh said, “We are delighted that The First Grader thrilled to have won the Audience Prize in Doha. This accolade is further recognition for The First Grader which has touched audiences at Telluride and Toronto. The film is a heart-warming, inspirational film and we are confident that it will achieve many more awards.”

The film has been acquired by the theatrical division of National Geographic for distribution in the United States.

The First Grader, based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, 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, 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.

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.