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.

Awards Boost for Videovision Entertainment's "The First Grader"

Oliver Litondo - Best Actor
Black Film Critics Circle

Oliver Litondo (Maruge)
(Photo : Kerry Brown)Oliver Litondo who plays the tenacious, 83-year-old Maruge in the award-winning movie, The First Grader, which is co-produced by Videovision Entertainment, won the Best Actor Award from the Black Film Critics Circle it was announced last night. Founded in 2010, the Black Film Critics Circle is comprised of film critics of colour who write for daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, magazines, radio, television and qualifying on-line publications in the United States.

The film has also received recognition last night with the song “Keep On Walking” from The First Grader being short-listed by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for the Original Song category of the 84th Academy Awards. Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, 24 January 2012. The song was composed by Alex Heffes who won the Discovery of the Year prize for his work on The First Grader at the 2011 World Soundtrack Awards at the 38th Ghent International Film Festival in October.

Executive Producer, Anant Singh commented, “Oliver’s performance in The First Grader was really powerful and the Best Actor Award from the Black Film Critics Circle is well deserved. Music Composer, Alex Heffes is an amazing musical talent whose work in the film was outstanding. We are thrilled with the accolades that The First Grader continues to receive and we hope that the film continues this success at the Oscars.”

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 David M. Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

Gotham Awards Nomination for Videovision's "The First Grader"

The Gotham Independent Film Awards

Maruge (Oliver Litondo) and Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris)
(Photo : Kerry Brown)The award-winning film, The First Grader, co-produced by Videovision Entertainment has been nominated for the prestigious Gotham Independent Film Awards coveted Genius Audience Award it was announced in New York last night.

The Gotham Independent Film Awards, are held under the auspices of the Independent Filmmaker Project and are selected by distinguished juries and presented in New York, which is acknowledged as the home of independent film. These Awards are the first honours of the film awards season in the run-up to the Academy Awards.

The First Grader which stars Naomie Harris who will star as Miss Moneypenny in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, also stars Oliver Litondo who plays Maruge, as well as well-known South African actors Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge, Israel Makoe and Shoki Mokgapa. The film is directed by Justin Chadwick and is written by Ann Peacock. It is 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, 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.

Executive producer, Anant Singh commented, “We are delighted with this acknowledgement from our peers in the independent filmmaking community. The First Grader is up against some tough competition and we hope that come 28 November, the film will be announced as the winner of the much sought-after Genius Audience Award.”

The other nominees for the Gotham Festival Genius Audience Award are Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, Buck, Girlfriend, and Wild Horse, Wild Ride. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, Constance Marks’ documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey traces the life and career of Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Sesame Street’s Elmo. Cindy Meehl’s Buck is a documentary about Buck Brannaman, the man who inspired the book The Horse Whisperer and the ensuing Robert Redford-directed movie. Justin Lerner’s Girlfriend revolves around a young man with Down’s Syndrome who financially assists his object of desire, a woman stuck in an abusive relationship. Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus’ documentary Wild Horse, Wild Ride follows the physical and emotional voyage of wild horses transported from public lands to horse adoption auctions.

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.

"The First Grader" Tops The Class at Kenya Film Festival

Kenya International Film Festival

Naomie Harris (Best Actress) and Oliver Litondo (Best Actor)
Photo: Kerry BrownThe 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 it was announced at the closing ceremony of the Festival in Nairobi last night. The film, co-produced by Durban based, Videovision Entertainment, BBC Films, UK Film Council and Origin Pictures is directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris as well as South African actors Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge, Israel Makoe and Shoki Mokgapa.

The success of The First Grader at the Kenyan International Film Festival is of special significance as it marks the culmination of the successful journey of an authentic Kenyan story which has received acclaim around the world, and returning to its roots to take the top prizes at Kenya’s premier film festival. The First Grader has found success at top international films since it debuted at the Telluride Film Festival last year. Among the awards 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. Last week, 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.

Commenting on receiving the Best Actor Award, Oliver Litondo said, “I am honoured to have won the Best Actor Award for playing Maruge, one of the most inspirational Kenyans of modern times, who made a strong statement about the value of education, underscoring the fact that one is never too old to go to school.”

Executive Producer, Anant Singh said, “We are delighted that The First Grader won the coveted prizes at the Kenyan Film Festival. It certainly is a triumph for the film and we are thrilled that Kenyans have embraced a story that is their own.”

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 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