The Book Of Bees

A “Welcome Stranger Films” FILM
WRITTEN BY Grae Burton

Sun rise. Jim studies an experimental hive of bees on an isolated reserve, able to contact the outside world through technology only, talking to schools, superiors, and family, chronicling the activities of his bees. His solace is a journal to write and draw in, his “Book of Bees”.
One day he finishes a report and a bee lands on his nose. It looks like it’s been in a fight with a spider. He talks to the bee who hangs around. He names it Barry (Crump) because it’s a “good keen...bee.”
Jim groes eccentric and his bees thrive in isolation. He names and creates lives for them.
Jim gets report. Around the world bees are dying off in increasing number. The entire bee population of the planet is expected to die within weeks. He is instructed to take the utmost care of the hive. Its isolation may protect it. The message distorts and the satellite signal weakens.
Isolation affects Jim. He starts to hearing Barry, and thinking that he is being watched.
Christmas. He discovers a bible on the shelf. Inside is a bottle of whiskey. Jim gets drunk and has an argument with Barry and is shocked and humbled by his own behaviour.
Jim awakes to the bees who, inexplicably embrace and cling to his body, then return to the hive.
Jim learns that bees around the world have perished his hive may be the last. The message is very distorted but he believes people are coming to get the bees.
A later report tells him entire populations of people have disappeared. He connects to his father, and witnesses him disappear.
All communication with the world is lost. He is alone with the bees, and believes he is the last person on earth.
Jim writes in his journal.
Sun set.