National Geographic Picks Up TIFF People's Choice Runner Up 'The First Grader'

National Geographic has picked up "The First Grader," the runner-up for the TIFF People's Choice Award.

The film, directed by Justin Chadwick ("The Other Boleyn Girl"), "chronicles the efforts of [the 84-year-old] Maruge, a Mau Mau rebel who seeks out the free education promised by the Kenyan government--even if it means sitting in a first-grade classroom. His teacher supports his struggle, even as parents and officials say it's a waste of time and resources to educate such an old man."

We didn't get a chance to see it during TIFF, but word we heard about the film was very positive. You can check out the trailer below; it looks like a heart-tugging drama that doesn't just rely on a premise that could easily be too cutesy. No release date has yet been announced. [Variety]