“Where have all the flowers gone?” was the environmental question of the sixties. These days, though, farmers and gardeners alike are asking, “Where have all the bees gone?”
The Vanishing of the Bees is a must-see for anyone who is curious about the role the busy bee has played over thousands of years. Throughout human history, those tiny creatures in your garden have been a symbol of unity, industriousness, and what it means to work for the greater good. Can you afford to ignore their demise?
See the movie for a suggested $10 donation at the Ojai Theatre, 145 E. Ojai Avenue, at 4:30 p.m. on August 28 and find out.
On Saturday, August 28, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will screen The Vanishing of the Bees by George Langworthy and Maryam Henein. The film, sponsored by Nutiva, shines its light on possible reasons for the disappearance of the humble honeybee. It is primarily focused on colony
collapse disorder, the official term for the demise of beehives. Following the screening, longtime local beekeeper Alan Thornhill (yes, the musician) will speak on “Beekeeping 101.”
According to experts, the honeybee is under threat worldwide, and the massive die-offs are in danger of eliminating this key species responsible for pollination of one third of our food. The film explores the bee’s historic stature as the cornerstone of agriculture, celebrating this ancient relationship while asking some hard questions.
Is the die-off due to a virus, a parasite, pesticides, or fundamental changes in agricultural practice? The documentary, filmed over two years throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, provides unparalleled insight into the conflicting opinions and heated controversy
surrounding the cause of colony collapse. Through interviews with scientists, beekeepers, and policymakers, the movie provides a comprehensive look at the complex issues and factors that are threatening the bee’s ultimate survival.
For more information about this film, go to www.vanishingbees.com.
