Bees are extremely familiar. Bees have among the most sophisticated repertoires of behavior of all invertebrates. They are in many cases cued by chemicals and thus easily manipulated, not only by beekeepers but also by filmmakers.
Bees also are cheap and available.
They also pollinate about 33 percent of foods destined for human consumption. On film, bees are evil. A busload of children is a prime target and a cast including Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and Dan Haggerty does battle with the swarm. Berenbaum says the film will become the most bee-wildering one ever shown in the festival's history. Admission is free.