Beans (2020 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beans |
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Film poster
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| Directed by | Tracey Deer |
| Produced by | Anne-Marie Gélinas |
| Written by |
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| Music by | Mario Sévigny |
| Cinematography | Marie Davignon |
| Editing by | Sophie Farkas Bolla |
| Studio | EMA Films |
| Distributed by | Mongrel Media |
| Release date(s) | September 13, 2020 (TIFF) |
| Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Beans is a 2020 Canadian drama film directed by Mohawk-Canadian filmmaker Tracey Deer. It explores the 1990 Oka Crisis at Kanesatake, which Deer lived through as a child, through the eyes of Tekehentahkhwa (nicknamed "Beans"), a young Mohawk girl whose perspective on life is radically changed by these events.
The film premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was second runner up for the People's Choice Award. It was also featured at the 2021 New York International Children's Film Festival, among others.
The film won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards in 2021, along with the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award.
Contents
Plot
Tekehentahkhwa, who goes by the nickname "Beans", is a preteen who lives on a reservation in Kahnawake; she is encouraged by her mother, Lily, to try to apply for a prestigious school in Montreal, something her father opposes.
After seeing their cousin Karahwen'hawi on TV protesting the expansion of a golf course into Kahnawake territory, the entire family drives down to support the protestors. Beans and her little sister are quickly caught up in a police raid, which strengthens her parents' resolve to stay and help during the protest. Tensions grow fast. Barricades are built and the Kahnawake territory is isolated. Food runs short and women and children are given the possibility to evacuate. Outside, protesters throw rocks at the evacuating cars.
In the meantime, Beans befriends April, an older girl she seeks to emulate. April teaches Beans to toughen up, in a hard way.
Cast
- Kiawentiio as Beans/Tekehentahkhwa
- Rainbow Dickerson as Lily
- Violah Beauvais as Ruby
- Paulina Alexis as April
- D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Hank
Production
The semi-autobiographical story is based on historic events that Deer lived through as a child. While she includes harsh events, she has said she wanted to avoid having the film be traumatic for viewers. It is recommended for viewers of 14+ in age. Filming took place in Kahnawake and Montreal in 2019.
Deer began writing the script in 2012, in collaboration with Meredith Vuchnich. It was a long, seven-year process, partly because revisiting the Oka Crisis brought up difficult memories. She sought therapy to help her deal with them.
Release
Beans had its world premiere at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2020.
