The nightmare of some can be a real blessing for others. Angelina Jolie says she feels "very honored" to be able to participate in a photo session for National Geographic, in particular, to say the least. The Hollywood star has posed covered in bees for 18 minutes, which would seem like an eternity to anyone. Not for her, who hasn't even flinched as the insects swarmed around her and landed on her chest and face. Some have even sneaked into her clothes. Surprisingly, she has come out unscathed, without any bites. The result is this portrait, taken by photographer Dan Winters, though it might as well look like a job worthy of Photoshop. For the most skeptical, the magazine has published the making-off. Everything is for a good cause!
"It was wonderful to feel so connected to these beautiful
creatures," says Angelina Jolie. The purpose of the photo session is to
raise awareness for World Bee Day. "With everything in the world that
worries us, a lot of people feel overwhelmed by bad news, but this is one we
can handle," says the Oscar winner, who was named godmother of Women for
Bees, a five-year program launched by UNESCO that will help train and
support 50 beekeepers from around the world.
Mother of six children, the actress confesses that the little ones
are much more aware than the adults. "The decisions that we make and the
things that we do in the next 10 or 20 years will make or break the way we
can live on this planet. Unfortunately, they know that. It's very difficult
for them. I can't imagine ever being a little boy. If the Earth will be able
to exist in the same way, if there will be bees and pollination... it wasn't
something I was thinking about at the age of 12. I don't think many people
know the damage it's doing, it's just trying to get through the day," she
admits worriedly.
Jolie explained that there are two types of bees: "wild and
solitary or domestic". When asked what kind she would be, she jokes, "I feel
like I've been a big house bee lately, but in my heart, I'm a lonely
savage."
How was the photo made?
"Angelina stayed perfectly still, covered in bees for 18
minutes without a sting," says the photographer in charge of the session.
“Everyone on set except Angelina had to wear a protective suit. It had to be
quiet and dark enough to keep the bees calm,” he adds. The actress was
unable to shower for the previous three days. "They told me, 'If you have
all these different scents, shampoos and perfumes and stuff, the bee doesn't
know what you are.' Then you put some things in your nose and ears to not
give them as many holes to climb," he explains.
"You have to be really still and in your body, in the moment,
which is not easy for me," confesses the protagonist. In her opinion, the
problem lies in the image we have of bees, a dangerous animal that stings.
"The intention is that we share this planet. It affects each other," she
concludes.
