Credits: director of photography: Ross McDonnell; editor: Carter Gunn; music: Clogs; producer: Morgan Bushe, Macdara Kelleher; production: Fastnet Films;

Country: Ireland

Year: 2009

Running time: 88

Colour: Colour

Format: HD CAM (HDTV)

Ever heard of colony collapse disorder? This is the subject of the serious but also highly entertaining documentary about a mysterious disaster that killed millions of bees beginning in 2008. The film is structured in part as an investigation, with scientists and beekeepers explaining possible causes, as well as a portrait of one religious family and the effect of the loss of their bees on each of its members. The directors manage to tackle a complex, troubling subject but imbue it with a lightness of touch that makes it palatable but also shows deep affection for the people affected. Howard Feinstein