SPECIAL EVENT: Vanishing of the Bees plus Q&A with director Maryam Henein alongside authors Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum

We are delighted to welcome filmmaker Maryam Henein to discuss the decline of the honey-bee alongside Alison Benjamin (editor of the Guardian’s society section) and Brian McCallum who together co-authored of A World Without Bees and Keeping Bees and Making Honey.

Following the Q&A authors Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum will be signing copies of their recent publication A World Without Bees.

Vanishing of the Bees
2009/US

Vanishing of the Bees explores the mysterious collapse of the bee population across the planet and its greater meaning about mankind’s relationship with the natural world. In addition to studying our reliance on the honeybee as the cornerstone of modern agriculture, the documentary celebrates the ancient relationship between humans and bees.

Having filmed throughout the US, Europe and Australia for more than two years, the documentary provides unparalled insight into the tragedy mounting as these crucial pollinators continue to disappear mysteriously and en masse.

Conflicting opinions and heated controversy abounds surrounding the cause behind the phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder. The film examines this issue with the help of scientists, beekeepers and policymakers, providing the audience with a comprehensive look at a complex and vital story that merits more than a sound bite.

For thousands of years bees have served as symbols of unity, industriousness and what it means to work for the greater good. In keeping with this historic connection, the aim of the film is to provide tangible solutions and inspire audiences to make the changes we want to see in our world for the good of mankind, honeybees and all life on Earth.