Vanishing of the Bees is a new feature length documentary narrated by Ellen Page. The documentary looks at the collapse of honeybee populations throughout the world and the implications this will have for human survival in the event bee populations continue to diminish at their current rate. The documentary is screening now and is being hosted by community organizations throughout North America.
Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives. Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.
Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capital Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees.
Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.
With modern agricultural practices – including the excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers – contributing to the imminent demise of honeybee populations, the film will bring attention to organic production methodologies.
Keywords: vanishing bees, bees, honeybee, environment, film, feature, documentary, Vanishing of the Bees, sustainability, climate change
