Bee Nation

2017 • 78’ • Canada

The heart-warming BEE NATION documents the Canadian First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee championship, and follows the highs and lows of children and parents who strive not only to win the Regionals but to go on and, for the first time ever, represent their indigenous community on the National stage.

Director / Producer:
Lana Slezic

  • HotDocs 2017
    – Opening Night Film
    – Top Ten Audience Pick

    North West Fest 2017
    – Top Ten Audience Favourite

    Cinemuskoka Festival 2017
    – Winner Best Documentary

    Yorkton Film Festival 2018
    – Best Director
    – Best Documentary POV [Nominee]

    Christie Pits Film Festival 2017
    Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival 2017
    Cinefest Sudbury 2017
    Doqumenta International Documentary Festival 2017
    Aspen Film Fest 2017
    HotDocs Docs For Schools 2017
    Sante Fe Independent Film Festival 2017
    Heartland Film Festival 2017
    Marda Loop Justice Film Festival 2017
    Belleville Downtown DocFest 2018
    Florida Film Festival 2018
    Native FilmFest 2018
    RiverRun International Film Festival 2018
    Sebastopol Film Festival 2018
    Seattle International Film Festival 2018

  • “There’s no question Bee Nation accomplishes its mission beautifully.”
    Roger Ebert

    “Slezic’s first feature-length film is a winner: warm, charming and illuminating.”
    Toronto Star

    “A really smart crowd pleaser.”In the Seats

    “Extra charming.”
    The Gate

    “Slezic’s optimistic film does reveal some consciousness of the larger problem, that balancing economic prosperity and traditional life may prove tricky for these kids.”The Globe & Mail

    “An engaging and uplifting crowd-pleaser, Bee Nation reminds us that the First Nation community will not be tied down by the injustices of the past.”
    Cinema Axis

Filmmaker’s Biography

The heart-warming BEE NATION documents the Canadian First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee championship, and follows the highs and lows of children and parents who strive not only to win the Regionals but to go on and, for the first time ever, represent their indigenous community on the National stage.