HIVE, a heartfelt portrayal of Pittsburgh-area beekeeper Hank B. that drew two packed houses to The Lindsay for its debut screenings in February, returns to the Theater on Sunday, April 21, at 12:30 p.m.
The 25-minute documentary is directed by Moon Township resident Ryan Matthew Rust, who has a special connection with the subject as Hank B.’s nephew, and features cinematography by Scott Township’s Ryan Kroboth, who beautifully captures the vibrant bees and blooms surrounding Hank at work.
The documentary will be followed by a behind-the-scenes short film showing the sound design process for the film, then a moderated Q&A and panel discussion featuring Rust, Hank B. and others, who will address audience questions about both filmmaking and beekeeping.
“I aim for audiences to depart not only with answers but also with lingering questions, encouraging them to delve deeper into the themes explored,” says Rust, director/producer of HIVE and a nine-year veteran of the film industry. “Discovering my uncle’s involvement with honey bees years ago, I was able to witness first hand the intricate process of honey extraction and the unique apiary he created. As a filmmaker and storyteller, I soon realized that this compelling story deserved to be shared with a wider audience.”
Collaborating with various production companies and storytellers across the nation, Rust is generating an extensive body of work in creative visual storytelling. Cinematographer Kroboth’s career spans 11 years and includes projects with Elysian, TCM, CNN and Intrusion, and a pivotal role in filming two seasons of the History Channel’s The Food That Built America.
Other crew members include Caitlin Rust, art department; gaffer Jim McClain, score composer Ryan Will Stewart and “noise stylist” Shawn Jackson of Red Caiman Studios in Ross Township.
Join the HIVE colony! Tickets are on sale now.