Filmmaker Brings Bees' Plight to Crossroads Farm

in Malverne was buzzing with excitement last month as they held their first fundraiser, a screening of the documentary film, "Vanishing Bees."

Narrated by Ellen Page, the eye opening documentary discusses the recent disappearance of the honeybees and how it can affect us economically, politically and ecologically. Following the screening, was a discussion with the filmmaker Maryam Henein.      

Henein, a Montreal native and an investigative journalist, has been interested in bees, their way of life and how the population is diminishing, for many years.

“I wanted to educate people about this huge issue,” stated Henein.

In addition to showing the documentary, was auctioning off jars of their own homemade organic honey and tomato sauce.  All the money raised during the event benefits future educational programs at the farm, including more films, guest speakers and sustaining local agriculture.

“This evening is very exciting since it is our first event and we are debuting our farm-grown honey,” said farm beekeeper Penny Schwartz.

Before the start of the film, Lisa Mitten, the coordinator of the event, thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the farm. She also wanted to thank the 50 volunteers who have been dedicated to improving the farm.

The screening and fundraiser was a success for the Crossroads Farm. Many in attendance walked away saying they felt educated and amazed by the many ways the honeybees affect our lives. Several had questions for the filmmaker during the Q and A part of the night.

Years after losing its beloved farm and waiting to find out what would fill its place, the community of Malverne was happy to see that at Crossroads, crops are thriving - and selling - and more educational programs are on the horizon.