The First Grader poster

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The First Grader

2010 · Movie · 103 min
C

MEANRANK

69/100

Averaged across 7 ratings · 8.3K votes

Every rating

Platform pages last read 30 September 2026. IMDb’s figure comes from IMDb’s own data file, which we re-read about once a month.

56–76 out of 100

Mostly agreed

Lowest is Metacritic critics on 56, highest is Rotten Tomatoes viewers on 76. Critics average 59, everyone else 72.

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Compare Trailer

In a small Kenyan village, an 84-year-old Mau Mau veteran, Kimani Maruge, hears a radio announcement that the government is offering free primary education to all. He arrives at the local school, determined to learn to read for the first time in his life. The head teacher, Jane Obinchu, is moved by his plea, but his presence causes controversy among parents and officials who believe he is wasting a child’s spot. Maruge must fight for his right to an education, his past as a freedom fighter fueling his present battle.

Details

Released
12 September 2010
Country
United Kingdom, United States, Kenya
Language
English
Runtime
103 min
Rated
PG-13
Awards
19 wins, 10 nominations

This title elsewhere

Cast

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris

Jane Obinchu

Tony Kgoroge

Tony Kgoroge

Charles Obinchu

Nick Reding

Officer Johnson

Oliver Litondo

Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge

Kamau Mbaya

Kamau Chege

Awards & nominations

See all 29 →

19 wins from 29 nominations across 18 ceremonies

AARP Movies for Grownups Awards 2012 Best Actor Oliver Litondo Winner
Black Reel Awards 2012 Best Actor Oliver Litondo Nominee
Black Reel Awards 2012 Outstanding Foreign Film The First Grader Nominee
Black Reel Awards 2012 Best Original Score Alex Heffes Nominee
Black Reel Awards 2012 Best Actress Naomie Harris Nominee
Image Awards (NAACP) 2012 Outstanding Actor in Motion Picture Oliver Litondo Nominee
Image Awards (NAACP) 2012 Outstanding Independent Motion Picture The First Grader Nominee
Image Awards (NAACP) 2012 Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture Ann Peacock Winner
Show all 29 awards across 18 ceremonies

Awards from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.