BBC Films to teach "The First Grader"
Helmer of the 2008 Natalie Portman/Scarlett Johansson/Eric Bana historical biodrama, "The Other Boleyn Girl," Jason Chadwick, will also be directing "The First Grader," the first film from Origin Pictures, ex-BBC Films chief David Thompson's new banner.
The director of the 2008 historical biodrama, "The Other Boleyn Girl," Justin Chadwick, will be helming the first production from ex-BBC Films chief David Thompson's Origin Pictures, entitled "The First Grader."
According to an article on HollywoodReporter.com, "Based on a true story, the script is penned by Emmy winner Ann Peacock (The Chronicles of Narnia') and stars Naomie Harris (Ninja Assassin') and newcomer Oliver Litondo. It details the story of an elderly Kenyan who signs up for school on the back of a government pledge of free education for everyone. Having fought for his country's liberation, the old man wants the chance of an education so long denied -- even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside 6-year-olds."
BBC Films, Sixth Sense Productions and Origin developed the film and drew financial backing from a bevy of industry establishments such as the U.K. Film Council, Videovision Entertainment and Lypsync Productions, among others.
Sixth Sense Productions was also the production company behind the Academy Award nominated 2004 Don Cheadle historical war drama, "Hotel Rwanda."
Thompson's Origin banner will be producing alongside Richard Harding and Sam Feuer for Sixth Sense Productions. International sales are being handled by Anant Singh's Distant Horizon. Six weeks of shooting is currently taking place in and around the capital of the East African country of Kenya, Nairobi.
As for Thompson, Feuer and Harding, they say that the movie is "full of surprises and unexpected humor."
