NAOMIE HARRIS TO STAR IN 'FIRST GRADER': Film based on true story of an elderly woman's attempt to start elementary school.

       Maruge attempted to take advantage of a Kenyan government initiative to give free elementary school education for all, but was initially denied access to go to the school with the 6-year-old first-graders. She eventually took the government to court.      

       Harris, most famous for her role as Tia Dalma in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, will play Jane Obinchu, the teacher who supports Maruge’s struggle to gain admission to the education program. Newcomer Oliver Litondo will play Maruge.       

       Production on "The First Grader" has begun on location in Kenya. BBC Films co-developed the project and is co-financing along with the U.K. Film Council, Videovision Ent., Lipsync Prods. and Origin. International sales are being handled by Anant Singh’s Distant Horizon.