Don’t miss film screening of Beans at the PAC or Living Library event with writer/ director Tracey Deer
Niagara College is hosting two events in November aimed at amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting Indigenous artists: a film screening of the multiple-award-winning film Beans on November 4, and a Living Libraries Zoom event with the film’s co-writer and director Tracey Deer on November 24.
Film screening Nov. 4
A film screening of Beans, presented by Indigenous Education at NC in partnership with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) will be held at the PAC (250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines) on November 4 from 7-9 p.m.
Directed by Tracey Deer, the 2020 film shines the spotlight on the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 days during the summer of 1990. It tells the story of 12-year-old Beans who is on the edge: torn between innocent childhood and reckless adolescence; forced to grow up fast and become the tough Mohawk warrior she needs to be during the Oka Crisis.
Indigenous Student Success Leader Ashley Buck highlighted the importance of sharing content of Indigenous content creators by presenting a film from the lens of a young girl and her experiences. “I think those are the stories we should be holding space for,” she said. “It gives voice to those whose voices weren’t heard previously or were prohibited from the public domain.”
The film screening takes place during Treaties Recognition Week, designated to take place during the first week of November in Ontario (November 1-7, 2021). The annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
Student Services Director Lianne Gagnon noted that it will be an opportunity for the College community and beyond to see the first-hand experiences that Indigenous people have faced when their treaties have been infringed upon. “It is our hope that they can make connections to the film to present Indigenous treaty issues that are still prevalent,” she said.
By presenting the film in partnership with the PAC, Indigenous Education also hopes to highlight for students its valuable partnership with the community-centred PAC, which works closely with Indigenous Education at NC to ensure barrier free access to its programming for College students.
For details about the film screening or to purchase tickets visit firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp.
Seating is limited for the film screening. NC staff and students unable to attend the screening still have an opportunity to view the film through NC Library. Visit media3-criterionpic-com.proxy.library.niagarac.on.ca/htbin/wwform/006?T=MON2820 .
Living Libraries Zoom event Nov. 24
On November 24, the College community will have an opportunity to attend NC’s Living Library via Zoom with the film’s director and co-writer Tracey Deer, Mohawk, to discuss her film, Beans.
Hosted by Indigenous Education and the Library and Learning Commons, the virtual event aims to create dialogue and foster a positive relationship of inclusivity.
“It is an opportunity for self-awareness and active participation on the road to reconciliation,” said Gagnon. “We are honoured to share space with the director to hear their story.”
Library and Learning Commons Manager Gordana Vitez noted that Indigenous Education, and the Library and Learning Commons have collaborated on many events in the past four years, and this will be the second annual Indigenous Education, Library, and Learning Commons Living Library speaker event.
Vitez noted that the Library and Learning Commons strives to provide a safe learning environment for marginalized groups. Through the Living Library series, she hopes that all NC students, staff, and community members will have a chance to learn and build an understanding with these same groups.
“The Indigenous Education and Library and Learning Commons Living Library events are held in November to celebrate National Indigenous Education Month, spotlight important topics, and bring us together as a community,” said Vitez. “These events have been very well-attended and have given the opportunity for Indigenous voices to be heard within the NC community. And, in exchange, the NC community has a wonderful learning opportunity.”
The Living Library event will be held on Nov. 24 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Register through Indigenous Education Event Calendar to attend.
For details, visit: nclibraries.libcal.com/event/3641317?hs=a.
Film awards
Beans has won 12 awards and eight nominations over the past two years. Its wins have included: Rising Stars Award (Toronto International Film Festival 2020), Best Canadian Feature Film (Vancouver International Film Festival, 2020), DGC Discovery Award (Directors Guild of Canada, 2020), WGC Award, Feature Film ( Writers Guild of Canada, 2021), Best Feature (Kingston Canadian Film Festival, 2021), Best First Feature Film (Canadian Screen Awards, 2021), Audience Award, Best Narrative Feature (Blackstar Film Festival, 2021), and Crystal Bear, Best Film (Berlin International Film Festival, 2021).
