The co-evolutionary relationship between the human race and the honeybees is one that has spanned over ten thousand years and has accounted for over seventy percent of the world’s crops.

However, in recent years, this relationship has faced a massive obstacle with the discovery of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

As the honeybee populations have begun to disappear in large numbers, the world faces the question, “What are the bees telling us?”

The documentary, Queen of the Sun, done by independent filmmaker Taggart Siegel, attempts to answer just that in its exploration of the minds of scientists, philosophers, and beekeepers alike and its quest to spread the alarming and unexpected message of Colony Collapse Disorder. Because it has become a concern to scientists and governments alike, CCD and sustainability has been the subject of many documentaries.

However, Queen of the Sun sets itself apart from the others in its incorporation of the science behind this disease with the soulful and passionate testimonies of beekeepers from around the world. In the opinion of one of the beekeepers, it is not only a Colony Collapse Disorder of honeybees, but also a Colony Collapse Disorder of the human race, in that our livelihoods are so dependent on the pollination of the bees, that we could not sustain a lifestyle without them.

The movie asks the viewers to take a step back from their lives and realize the vast importance of this tiny insect as we continue to hurt bee populations through mass monoculture, wide-use of pesticides, and malnourishment of the population.

As well as exposing the scientific aspect of this issue, the documentary brings to light the struggles and visions of the beekeepers themselves, who see beekeeping as not only a means of living, but also an art and a way of life.

Their true dedication and commitment to honeybees is a humbling experience in its very simple, yet powerful exploration of the role of honeybees in sustaining human life. They see bees as more than just an insect, but also a keeper of life. Queen of the Sun proves most effective in its ability to caution yet empower audiences to take their own action in saving not only the honeybees, but also the human race.