National Geographic Picks Up TIFF Audience Favorite The First Grader

National Geographic has stepped into the Toronto movie-buying whirlwind, acquiring theatrical distribution rights to The First Grader, directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl). The film, which won runner-up for the audience award, tells the true story of an 84-year old former Mau Mau rebel in Kenya who fights to get the education he could never afford. The reaction to this one has been very positive. Word is that it's even more sensitive and moving than Billy Madison.

[Deadline]