I’m looking at the bees in my garden with a whole new level of respect and concern. I’m even letting my herbs go to seed, and it’s all thanks to the documentary Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (Thursday 17th January, 8.30pm).
I’m looking at the bees in my garden with a whole new level of respect and concern. I’m even letting my herbs go to seed, and it’s all thanks to the documentary Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (Thursday 17th January, 8.30pm).
This fascinating documentary examines the possible causes of Colony Collapse Disorder where bees are disappearing in mass numbers from their hives across the globe. It is a worrying trend, without bees to pollinate and assist our agriculture industries humans will lose around 70% of their food supply. Director Taggart Siegel and producer and co-editor Jon Betz don’t take an alarmist approach, rather they take a very positive stance on this potentially catastrophic situation.
They interview scientists, philosophers and biodynamic farmers; basically a range of people who are actively doing something to address the global bee crisis. They also examine the role of the bee throughout history and, as Jon Betz explained to me recently, their poetic film is designed to “get people to fall in love with honey bees”.
Check back here later in the week for my interview with filmmakers Taggart Siegel and Jon Betz.
Ken Loach is also on the highlights list this week with his take on the Iraq War. A gripping and intense drama, Route Irish (Saturday 19th January, 8.30pm) is based around Felix (Mark Womack), an ex-solider turned private contractor struggling with the loss of his best friend Frankie (John Bishop) in an ambush on the world’s most dangerous road, between Baghdad airport and Iraq’s Green Zone.
Touching on post traumatic stress syndrome, the collateral damage and role of private security contractors in war, and the controversial Order 17 which gave contractors immunity from Iraqi law, it would be fair to say that after Looking For Eric Loach decided it was time to get serious again, creating an intense and uncompromising drama.
And finally this week, for a little light relief why don’t you try Romantics Anonymous (Tuesday 15th January, 8.30pm). A quirky, light-hearted French romantic comedy about a couple of socially inept chocolate lovers who meet when Angelique (Isabelle Carré) comes to work as a sales rep at Jean-Rene’s (Benoît Poelvoorde) financially troubled chocolate company.
It’s a feel good charmer, aided by little touches like a retro soundtrack and slightly unexpected song and dance routines. It’s not Chocolat or Amelie, it’s too light, frothy and forgettable for that, but there is plenty to amuse you.
Enjoy.