Naomie Harris has climbed aboard Justin Chadwick’s Kenya-set drama “The First Grader,” based on the true story of 84-year-old Kenyan Kimani Nganga Maruge, who tried to take advantage of a Kenyan government initiative in order to provide free elementary school education for all.

At first  denied access to go to the school with the 6-year-old first-graders, Maruge eventually took the government to court.

Harris will play Jane Obinchu, the teacher who supports Maruge’s battle to gain admission to the education program. Maruge will be played by newcomer Oliver Litondo and filming has begun on location in Kenya.

David Thompson of Origin Pictures co-produces along with Richard Harding and Sam Feuer of Sixth Sense Productions.