92 minutes – Drama, Indigenous Canadian History
Language: English, some French
Festival release date: September 13, 2020 (TIFF, World Premiere)
Release date: July 2, 2021 (Québec), July 23, 2021 (Wide)
Production company: EMA Films
Canadian distributor: Mongrel Media

Inspired by true events, Beans is the coming-of-age story of a Mohawk girl named Tekehentahkhwa, who more often goes by her quirky nickname, Beans (Kiawentiio). She’s a loving big sister to her constant sidekick, Ruby (Violah Beauvais), as they play in the woods and carefully avoid the rough and tough kids of their neighbourhood on the Mohawk reserve of Kahnawà:ke, Québec. When the Oka Crisis erupts, her community is cut off from the outside world and Beans seeks out the toughest girl she knows, April (Paulina Alexis), to help her transform into the brave Mohawk warrior that she needs to be to survive. While she gains acceptance with the cool clique, she isn’t prepared for the racism and violence she comes face-to-face with as the conflict escalates. Unable to cope, she descends into a dark, rage-filled existence focused on revenge. It’s not until her reckless actions put everyone she cares about into peril that she wakes up to what’s really important in her fragile world.

Beans was named Best Film at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.
Also see: Northernstars reviews Beans.
Also see: Beans Named Best Canadian Film by TFCA
Also see: Tracey Deer Knows Beans.
Also see: Canadian Films at TIFF – 2020.