On Sundays from June 25 through August 20, Christie Pits Film Festival will present a series called EYES ON THE PRIZE, films about competition and beating the odds

Hot on the heels of its world premiere as the Opening Night film for Hot Docs 2017, BEE NATION tells the story of First Nations kids competing at the highest level in the provincial and national spelling bees. Tackling thorny issues of language, culture, and assimilation with tenderness and nuance, BEE NATION is equal parts inspirational journey and call to arms for Canadians to face up to our ongoing legacy of colonialism. Both short films for the evening also look at children competitors: CUBER captures the Toronto teenager ranked second fastest Rubik's Cube competitor in the country, while Dear Scavengers pits a group of girls competing in a scavenger hunt against a crusty middle-aged shopkeeper who becomes an unwilling participant in their game.

Films @ Sundown (9pm)

Eats & Treats @ 6pm by The Arepa Republic, Macchina Mobile Cafe, Millie Patisserie & Creamery & popcorn at the festival canteen

Free / PWYC (donations gratefully accepted), not a ticketed event

BYOBlanket

Accessible venue

Films are screened with captioning whenever possible

Bee Nation (Lana Šlezić, 2017)

With short films

Dear Scavengers, directed by Aaron Phelan, 2012

The Cuber, directed by Chris Frampton, 2011

Co-presented by REEL CANADA and The MUFF Society