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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| Starring |
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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 powerful Canadian drama film from 2020. It was directed by Tracey Deer, a filmmaker who is Mohawk. The movie tells the story of the 1990 Oka Crisis through the eyes of a young Mohawk girl named Tekehentahkhwa. Everyone calls her "Beans." This real-life event changed her view of the world.
The film won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture in 2021. It also received the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award. Beans was a runner-up for the People's Choice Award at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. It was also shown at the 2021 New York International Children's Film Festival.
Contents
What is Beans About?
The story follows Tekehentahkhwa, a young girl nicknamed "Beans." She lives on a Kahnawake reservation. Her mother, Lily, wants her to apply to a special school in Montreal. Beans' father, however, does not agree with this idea.
The Oka Crisis Begins
One day, Beans and her family see their cousin, Karahwen'hawi, on TV. She is protesting against a golf course expanding onto their land. The whole family goes to support the protestors. Soon, Beans and her little sister are caught in a police action. This makes her parents even more determined to stay and help.
Tensions quickly rise. Barricades are built, and the Kahnawake territory becomes isolated. Food starts to run low. Women and children are given a chance to leave the area safely. Outside, some protestors throw rocks at the cars leaving the area.
Beans Makes a New Friend
During this difficult time, Beans meets April. April is an older girl whom Beans looks up to. April teaches Beans how to be tougher. This helps Beans deal with the challenging events happening around her.
Meet the Cast
- Kiawentiio as Beans/Tekehentahkhwa
- Rainbow Dickerson as Lily
- Violah Beauvais as Ruby
- Paulina Alexis as April
- D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Hank
How Beans Was Made
The movie's story is partly based on director Tracey Deer's own life. She experienced the historic events of the Oka Crisis as a child. Even though the film shows tough moments, Deer wanted to make sure it wasn't too upsetting for viewers. The movie is suggested for people aged 14 and older. Filming took place in Kahnawake and Montreal during 2019.
Writing the Story
Tracey Deer started writing the script for Beans in 2012. She worked with Meredith Vuchnich. It took seven years to finish the script. This long process was partly because revisiting the Oka Crisis brought back difficult memories for Deer. She sought help to deal with these feelings.
When Beans Was Released
Beans first showed to the public at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. This special event happened in September 2020.
