The Silence of Bees: About the Film

"The best movies are always about character development and providing insight into human nature; The Silence of Bees excels at both. This visually attractive, carefully crafted film explores the awkwardness that many of us feel when we try to express affection for loved ones. Sharon Garnier and Jim Beaver deliver memorable performances. This audience-pleasing film stands out and deserves wide distribution."

– Thomas Baker, Ph.D., Coordinator, The Accolade Film Awards

"The Silence of Bees is a powerful short film that packs an emotional wallop through the performances of the two leads. As I watched the film, I couldn't help but be reminded of the universal struggle between parents and their children. Sharon Garnier is raw and completely open on the screen. Jim Beaver's sardonic portrayal of an alcoholic writer is both an archetype and uniquely individual. The camera work and the editing are flawless. This is a true gem of a film. No tricks, no artifice, just pure cinema in an old fashioned sense. Silence is a testimonial to the idea that simple, pure and profound emotions ultimately have more impact than superficial, contrived plot devices. It deserves to be seen. And the entire full length film from which this prologue was taken needs to be filmed."

– Paul Remmele, Documentarian and Child Psychologist, Venice, California

Synopsis

In a remote part of Barbados, sea and light create an other-worldly home for author Parker Lam (played by Jim Beaver), a literary lion from American literature. Parker escaped to Barbados years earlier to flee responsibilities and family and to a great extent himself.

Armed with an old Remington typewriter, a cigar and Barbados rum, Parker is immersed in what he describes as 'his notebook years'. In fact, he's trying to finish his short stories based on the lost relationships in his life. He's visited by his daughter, Alex McKenzie (played by Sharon Garnier), who flies in from Flint, Michigan where she's a nurse.

Alex is terrified of, in awe of, and resentful towards Parker, but she's still desirous of his respect and love. Parker can see through people with a razor sharpness. He's certain his daughter's life in Flint has left her unfulfilled and empty despite her protests. When she declares she's leaving the next morning, Parker recognizes this as his last chance to connect with her.

Parker challenges her decisions in life regarding her marriage and career and why she gave up on the writing life. He hands her a note, asking that she promise him that after he is dead, she will write a novel about her experiences in nursing. Alex recognizes in that single moment her deep feelings for her father and her buried desires to follow in his enormous footsteps. A connection between a father and daughter is sometimes too strong to be broken.

Inspiration for the film

By Joanna Perry-Folino

The Silence of Bees was inspired by a dream. What do the novelist Richard Yates and his daughter have to do with the screenwriter's vision? In 2007, I awoke one night from a dream of my friend Monica, wondering what had happened to a young woman I had not seen in many years.

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The Location (where we filmed "The Silence of Bees")

By Joanna Perry-Folino

A few years ago, I was in Los Angeles producing a play about Nikola Tesla ...the brilliant scientist who found alternating current. Tesla ended up living in obscurity, feeding pigeons at a hotel in New York city. The beat goes on.

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Watch the preview on YouTube

Courtesy of Konekuf Pictures. Used by permission.

Read the original stage play

To read the full play version (adaptable to film) please click on  the link below.

Production Stills Gallery

Click the photo below to view the Production Stills Slideshow.

Behind the Scenes Gallery

Click the photo below to view the Behind the Scenes Slideshow.

Andrew J. Traister (Director), Derek Beauchemin (Editor), and Dan O'Day McClellanon (Production Coordinator and Assistant Director) on the set.