Eros, Venus and the Bees, Albrecht Dürer, 1514
The Documentary
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.
As with any great mystery, a number of theories have been posed, and
many seem to researchers to be more science fiction than science. People
have blamed genetically modified crops, cellular phone towers and
high-voltage transmission lines for the disappearances.
"Vanishing of the Bees" documentary 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.
Documentary synopsis:
Documentary synopsis:
- Honeybees are responsible for one-third of our food supply, yet they are disappearing at a startling rate in a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD
- The documentary “Vanishing of the Bees” takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee
- CCD is most likely the result of a constellation of factors, one of the largest being the growing contamination of their hives with pesticides, especially the newer systemic pesticides, or neonicotinoids
- Bees appear to be suffering catastrophic effects after exposure to even low levels of certain pesticides, including inability to fight off infections, nervous system damage, disorientation and impaired navigation
- Bees are increasingly being raised “factory farm” style with artificial food, artificial insemination, and grossly unnatural hive conditions that further stress the colony, highlighting an urgent need to return to more natural beekeeping traditions
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.
To learn more please visit the Vanishing of the Bees website