Watch The Pollinators

The Pollinators is a 2019 documentary film directed by Peter Nelson that explores the critical role that bees play in modern agriculture and the challenges they face as a species. The film primarily follows the journey of migratory honeybee keepers, who transport their bees across the United States to pollinate the crops that make up a significant portion of our food supply.

Through interviews with industry experts, scientists, and beekeepers, The Pollinators delves into the complex systems and practices involved in modern agriculture that contribute to the decline of bee populations. This includes the use of pesticides, habitat loss, and the stresses of long-distance transportation. The film also highlights the impacts of these practices on human health and the environment.

Bret Adee, a fourth-generation beekeeper, is one of the main subjects of the film. Adee is a commercial beekeeper who is responsible for maintaining over 80,000 hives and shipping them across the country for pollination. He discusses the challenges of managing such a massive operation and the financial risks involved.

Other beekeepers, such as Jeff Anderson and Alan Ard, share their own stories and experiences. Anderson runs a small family beekeeping business in Nebraska, where he struggles to maintain his hives in the face of pesticide use in nearby fields. Ard is a Texas-based beekeeper who specializes in producing queen bees for other beekeepers.

The Pollinators also examines the health and safety concerns associated with pesticide use in agriculture. The film features interviews with researchers who have found evidence linking pesticides to bee colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon in which entire bee colonies die off. The film emphasizes the need for sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices that prioritize healthy ecosystems and the preservation of pollinators.

Overall, The Pollinators is a thought-provoking and informative film that sheds light on a critical issue facing our food system and the environment as a whole. Through its interviews with experts and beekeepers, the film emphasizes the need for responsible and sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize the health of pollinators and the environment. It is a must-see for anyone interested in food production and environmental conservation.

The Pollinators is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.