Where was The Secret Life of Bees filmed?
2008
City Locations
Lumberton, Watha, NC (USA)
Location Types
House, Farm
Location Styles
Rustic, Craftsman, Construction, Building Dated/Retro, Bungalow
About The Secret Life of Bees
Journey into the heart of 1964 South Carolina with the acclaimed American drama film, "The Secret Life of Bees", released in 2008. Directed by the gifted Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film features an ensemble cast and received acclaim for performances by stars such as Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys, and Paul Bettany.
The film unfolds the heart-rending tale of Lily Owens, a girl haunted by her mother's death and her unresolved emotions. Living a harsh life in a peach orchard with her abusive father, Lily's world takes a drastic turn on her 14th birthday when a race-induced incident prompts her escape with Rosaleen, her father's Black help. As Lily navigates her journey of self-discovery amidst the realm of beekeeping and the camaraderie of Zach, a teenage boy, she begins to unravel her mother's secret life and discovers a path toward forgiveness and acceptance.
"The Secret Life of Bees" was met with vigorous applause from audiences and critics alike, winning the "Favorite Movie Drama" and "Favorite Independent Movie" at the 35th People's Choice Awards. It also garnered seven NAACP Image Award nominations, including Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Actress for Queen Latifah and Dakota Fanning, eventually securing the Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.
The Secret Life of Bees Locations
"The Secret Life of Bees" was brought to life in the picturesque regions of North Carolina, specifically in Lumberton and Watha. The production began on January 7, 2008, and the final scenes were captured a few months later. The film was screened at the 33rd Annual Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008 before its theatrical release on October 17, 2008.
Most scenes of the honey house, painted pink, can be found at 500 Watha Road, while the nearby town of Lumberton also played a significant part in the film. The movie's filming utilized a portion of the peach orchard at Geraldine’s Peaches and Produce, situated at 10728 Highway 41 North. This location was transformed into the early residence of Lily Owens, the film's protagonist before she escaped from her violent father, T. Ray.
Most of the scenes were shot in these locations, with their rich landscapes providing a captivating backdrop for the film. From the honey house's rustic charm to the peach orchard's lush expanses, the locations brought a sense of authenticity to the storyline. A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for film fans or those interested in movie tourism. Visitors can explore the real-life settings of the film's memorable scenes while also enjoying the natural beauty and local culture of North Carolina.
Lily runs into the peach orchard scene in The Secret Life of Bees
Geraldine's Peaches and Produce Roadside Market, 10728 NC-41, Lumberton, NC 28358, USA
Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) is startled by seeing hundreds of bees in her room. She rushes to inform her father, T. Ray (Paul Bettany), only to be met with his dismissive ire. Driven by frustration and longing, Lily escapes into their peach orchard, where she unearths a buried box filled with mementos of her late mother — a pair of gloves, a small photograph, and a wooden scrap adorned with an image of the Virgin Mary.
This emotionally charged scene was filmed at Geraldine’s Peaches and Produce, located at 10728 Highway 41 North. This peach orchard was transformed into the cinematic representation of Lily's childhood home, providing an atmospheric setting that enhances the narrative's emotional depth.
The farm, known for its succulent peaches, blackberries, and grapes, draws coastal residents who travel approximately 75 miles inland to enjoy the "pick your own" experience and roadside market. Unfortunately, at present, the farm is temporarily closed, so anyone planning a visit should get in touch with the owners beforehand.
The only mode of transportation to reach there is by car. If you are coming from Fayetteville, expect a 40-minute journey along NC-87 S. For those starting from Wilmington, the trip will take approximately an hour and 20 minutes, also following NC-87S.
The pink honey house scenes in The Secret Life of Bees
500 Watha Rd, Watha, NC 28478, USA
Lily (Dakota Fanning) embarks on her journey as an apprentice beekeeper and during this time, she stumbles upon May's (Sophie Okonedo) "wailing wall". This was filled with small notes about distressing events that have deeply affected the fragile and sensitive May, as well as her twin sister April, who passed away during their childhood.
Lily also uncovers the existence of a close-knit circle of women presided over by August (Queen Latifah). This group turns to a life-sized Black Madonna statue in the Boatwright's living room for counsel and direction.
Most of these honey house scenes, set against a charming pink house backdrop, were filmed at 500 Watha Road. This house is privately owned and is not open for public visits, so fans are only allowed exterior views.
Watha, a small town in Pender County, North Carolina, is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Despite its small size, Watha offers ample opportunities to soak in the film's ambiance. From Wilmington, the shortest route is via I-40, which will take approximately 37 minutes.
Conclusion
"The Secret Life of Bees", a 2008 film adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel, is an engaging and poignant exploration of life in rural South Carolina during the turbulent year of 1964. The film successfully captures the era's essence, presenting a realistic depiction of the complexities and struggles of the period.
Dakota Fanning's performance as the young protagonist, Lily Owens, stands out. Fanning navigates the emotional landscape of her character with maturity and depth, effectively portraying Lily's journey from innocence to self-discovery. Her ability to express a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Far from being overly sentimental or simplistic, the script strikes a delicate balance between drama and realism. It treats the source material respectfully, refusing to trivialize the story or its characters. This results in an emotionally resonant film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The choice of filming locations in North Carolina significantly contributes to the film's appeal. The serene beauty of rural North Carolina, with its lush landscapes and charming architecture, serves as an idyllic backdrop for the unfolding drama. These settings not only enhance the film's visual aesthetics but also anchor the story in a palpable sense of place and time.
In terms of its contribution to the movie industry, "The Secret Life of Bees" shines a light on the potential of North Carolina as a filming location. Its natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it an ideal choice for various genres and narratives.
"The Secret Life of Bees" is a beautifully crafted film that tells a compelling and emotionally rich story. Its strong performances, thoughtful script, and stunning locations make it a worthwhile watch. Whether you're a fan of the original novel or enjoy well-made dramas, this film will surely engage and move you.