Beck is a single Mom who lives in Six Nations, Canada. Since her mother’s death, she has been languishing in self-pity, hating her job in her father’s tire shop and resenting anyone who prods her to get out of her rut. She eats poorly, and it’s not surprising when she is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She knows something has to change but doesn’t know where to start. Suddenly, a ghost from the past appears to inspire her. It is the spirit of Tom Longboat, a real-life sports legend from the early 1900s, who encourages her to begin training for a marathon. He teaches her to become an “honour runner,” dedicating each of her runs to a special person or part of her life that is worth celebrating.

Through these Honour Runs, Beck turns her life around and works through her grief and health issues. She opens herself up to the possibility of romance when she meets Jon, a guy who grew up outside of the Six Nations but returned to reconnect with his ancestral roots. Thanks to Tom and her newfound love of running, she contemplates fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a Mohawk language teacher. An inspiring story that almost any person suffering from emotional and physical lethargy will be able to relate to.

  
Director: Zoe Leigh Hopkins (Heiltsuk/Mohawk)
Writers: Zoe Leigh Hopkins (Heiltsuk/Mohawk)
Producers: PJ Thornton, Laura Milliken
Language: English
Canada | 2021 | 100 mins

PREVIEW SHORT FILM: 

Manu Masters
Director: Te Waiarangi Ratana (Tuhoe)

New Zealand | 2021 | 10 mins | English

MANU MASTERS is a summer coming-of-age comedy inspired by films like the Last Dragon and the original Karate Kid. Manu Masters must learn how to bomb from Matua Pai to save his reputation, but also for his own self-esteem.  

This film is available in the BIRRARANGGA Film Festival 3-pass and 5-pass ticket packages.