Irish Documentary COLONY on DVD and Digital Release in the US from March 29th
Award-winning Colony, the Irish debut feature documentary co-directed by Ross McDonnell and Carter Gunn, is set for DVD and digital release in the US from March 29th.This beautifully photographed film follows several American beekeepers over the course of two years, investigating the unexplainable phenomenon Colony Collapse Disorder which has seen a drop in almost a quarter of the number of bees in the United States, threatening the beekeeping industry and because agriculture depends on pollination, therefore threatening our food supplies.
At the heart of this film is the Seppi family, newcomers to the beekeeping world. As the Seppis face the collapse of their colony and the economy, tensions course through the family. The film manages to combine an urgent environmental issue with a gripping real-life family drama.
Colony premiered at the renowned Toronto Film Festival in 2010 and has since been widely praised on the festival circuit and also winning the First Appearance Award at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival. Produced by Macdara Kelleher and Morgan Bushe for Fastnet Films, it was funded by the IFB/BSÉ.
Here's what some of the critics have been saying about Colony:
The Washington Post
"Filmed with the elegant attention to composition worthy of Terrence Malick".
The Globe and Mail
"Straight reportage at its purest.... Wonderfully photographed... A brilliant, beautiful film."
New York Times
"a satisfying addition to the blooming, buzzing field of social issue documentary".
Indiewire.com
"Elegantly shot and edited with sublime cinematography of bees"
Variety
"the most aesthetically beautiful documentary of the season, as well as one of the most urgent and intelligent".
More About COLONY
Few people realize that honey bees pollinate one-third of our fruits and vegetables. In fact, these incredible insects play a vital role in producing our food and ensuring our survival.
Although honey bees are some of the most resilient, efficient and industrious insects, entire colonies are dying off. Why? COLONY investigates the circumstances and the impacts of "colony collapse disorder" by focusing on beekeepers dealing with the crisis. As these families and individuals struggle to understand this lethal problem, they illuminate the devastating effects of bee extinction not just on bees, but on people.
COLONY documents a time of unprecedented crisis in the world of the honeybee through the eyes of seasoned beekeeper David Mendes and Lance and Victor Seppi, two young brothers getting into beekeeping at a time when most are getting out. As Mendes tries to save the nation's collapsing hives, the Seppis try to keep their business alive amidst a collapsing economy.
An eye-opening account of a little-known yet essential, sub-culture in America, COLONY brings to life the fascinating world of bees-and the frightening possibility of their disappearance. Capturing breathtaking views of the countryside and with meticulous attention to detail, COLONY is cinematography at its best and most dramatic.
COLONY has received numerous awards including the Grand Jury Prize at the Anaheim International Film Festival and the Best First Appearance Award at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam.
Variety says, "The mischievous genius of 'COLONY' lies in the fact that bees don't serve as a metaphor for people as much as people serve as a metaphor for bees."
COLONY is directed by Carter Gunn and Ross McDonnell; produced by Morgan Bushe and Macdara Kelleher; edited by Carter Gunn.