Watch Bee Nation

Bee Nation is a heartwarming documentary film that takes you on a journey through the Canadian beekeeping industry and introduces you to a group of young Indigenous students who are preparing for the national spelling bee competition. The film is directed by Lana Å lezic and was released in 2017. The documentary film follows the story of the Indigenous children who are a part of the First Nations Education Steering Committee's annual Spelling Bee competition. The children come from various backgrounds, including the Cree, Anishinaabe, and Haida Nations, and they all share a passion for spelling bees. Their goal is to represent their communities and make a difference in their lives.

The film begins by introducing us to the young spellers and their families. We see them preparing for their regional spelling bee competition, where they must overcome nerves, anxiety, and exhaustion to do their best.

Once the regional competition is over, we follow a select group of spellers as they move on to the national spelling bee competition. Here, they meet other talented and driven children from across the country who share their same passion for spelling. The competition is intense, and there can only be one winner.

Throughout the film, we are taken on an emotional journey as we see the children confront various challenges both on and off-stage. For most of the children, this is their first time leaving their communities and traveling to a new city. They must learn to adapt to new environments, make new friends, and deal with homesickness.

Moreover, we learn about the institutions that are making a difference in their lives. The First Nations Education Steering Committee, sponsors for the spelling bee, works to provide the children with the resources and support they need to succeed. The bee is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity for the children to gain confidence, explore new interests, and broaden their horizons.

The film is not just about spelling bees, but also about the issues facing Indigenous communities in Canada. We learn about the effects of residential schools, substance abuse, poverty, and the importance of education. We also see the children and their families working together to overcome these obstacles and strive for a better future.

The cinematography of the film is beautiful, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Canada and the bustling city of Toronto where the spelling bee competition takes place. The film is scored with original music by musician/composer Claude Desjardins, which adds an emotional depth to the already moving story.

In conclusion, Bee Nation is more than just a movie about children spelling. It's a heartwarming and inspiring story that showcases the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities in Canada. The film celebrates the children's accomplishments and the institutions that support their growth and development. Bee Nation is a must-see documentary for anyone who loves stories about overcoming obstacles, the power of education and, most of all, the delights of childhood.

Bee Nation is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.