Akeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film about an 11-year-old girl, Akeelah Anderson, from south Los Angeles, who embarks on a journey of participating in spelling contests despite her mother's objections. With the help of her tutor Dr. Larabee, principal Mr. Welch, and supportive neighbors, Akeelah's exceptional talent leads her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.