“Honeyland” (original title: Medena zemja) is a 2019 Macedonian documentary film directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov. The film tells the story of Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper living in a remote mountain village in North Macedonia, and her struggle to maintain the delicate balance between nature and humanity. The movie has a runtime of 87 minutes and is rated Not Rated.
Synopsis:
“Honeyland” is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping documentary that explores the fragile relationship between humans and the natural world. The film follows Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper who lives in a remote mountain village with her elderly mother. Hatidze follows traditional beekeeping practices, which involve carefully harvesting honey from wild bees without harming them. However, her way of life is threatened when a family of nomadic beekeepers moves into the village and begins to exploit the bees for profit. As tensions rise between Hatidze and the newcomers, the film raises important questions about sustainability, greed, and the human impact on the environment.
Review:
“Honeyland” is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally powerful film that offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. The movie’s stunning cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Macedonian landscape, while also conveying the intimate details of Hatidze’s life and work. The documentary’s narrative structure is expertly crafted, building tension and suspense as the conflict between Hatidze and the newcomers escalates. The film’s message about the importance of sustainable living and preserving the natural world is subtle but deeply resonant, and the movie’s final scenes are hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.
Awards:
“Honeyland” has won numerous awards, including three awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival: the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize, the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Cinematography, and the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Impact for Change. The film was also nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards, making it the first film to ever be nominated in both categories in the same year.
| Directed by | Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov, |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Atanas Georgiev |
| Starring | Hatidže Muratova, |
| Music by | Foltin |
| Cinematography | Fejmi Daut Samir Ljuma |
| Edited by | Atanas Georgiev |
| Production companies |
Trice Films Apolo Media |
| Distributed by | Neon Dogwoof |
| Release date | 28 January 2019 (Sundance) |
| Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | North Macedonia |
| Language | Balkan Turkish |
| Box office | $1,140,879 |
