

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Cork International Film Festival, Cambridge International Film Festival
Environment • Beekeeping • Sustainability
Date of Completion: 2024 | Run Time: 61 minutes | Language: English with English subtitles | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript | Director: Eoin McGowan | Producers: Eoin McGowan & James McGowan
THE KEEPERS is an intimate and visually stunning documentary that follows the De Ruiter family as they work together on their beekeeping hobby and small business in Ireland’s ruggedly beautiful Beara Peninsula. Filmed over a 6-month honey bee season, the film offers a unique glimpse into the art of beekeeping, blending the family’s journey with insights into bee folklore, environmental challenges, and the vital role of bees in nature.
Through animated visuals, the hum of the hives, and the vibrant personalities of the family, the film explores an ancient craft that connects humans to the natural world in profound ways. It’s a story of adaptation, resilience, and the wholesome connection between people, bees, and the land they call home. With breathtaking landscapes, engaging characters, and a mix of education and entertainment, THE KEEPERS is a celebration of nature, tradition, and the special bond that sustains one of the world’s most essential species.