Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 7 pm
The Tale of Silyan / directed by: Tamara Kotevska / North Macedonia, USA / 2025 / 81’
From the Oscar-nominated director of Honeyland comes a moving and visually striking story set in the heart of rural Macedonia. Nikola, a farmer facing the harsh consequences of new government policies, finds himself unable to sell either his land or his crops. When his family leaves in search of a better life abroad, Nikola takes a job as a caretaker at a landfill site, where he encounters an injured white stork named Siljan. As he nurses the bird back to health, an unexpected bond begins to form between the two.
The result is a deeply affecting film that explores climate change, economic migration, resilience, and the quiet power of connection.
Festivals and awards:
82nd VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 (world premiere) – Best Film in the Cinema and Arts Award;
BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – Documentaire Extraordinaire – Special Mention;
IDA DOCUMENTARY AWARDS 2025 – Nominated for Best Feature Documentary and for Best Cinematography;
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025
Reviews:
‘Blending myth and realism with exquisite sensitivity, Kotevska crafts a work of rare poetic power, a film that observes, listens, and ultimately illuminates the quiet, stubborn beauty of life itself.’ – Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture
‘Kotevska’s filmmaking exists at the poetic, magical realist end of the non-fiction spectrum.’ – Wendy Ide, Screen Daily ‘It’s a portrait of life where people’s fate is attached to the whim of market trends and even more obscure forces - thus, a portrait of us all’ – Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire