Jul. 26, 2019|Republic of North Macedonia|89 Min.|n/A
Genre: Adventure;Documentary;Drama;Kids;Mystery;Reality;TV;Movie
Description: “Honeyland,” a 2019 Macedonian documentary, follows the life of Hatidže Muratova, a Turkish-origin beekeeper living in the remote village of Bekirlija. As one of Europe’s last wild beekeepers, Hatidže tends to her bees and supports her 85-year-old, partially blind, bedridden mother, Nazife. Her livelihood depends on selling honey in Skopje, the capital city, which is a four-hour journey from her isolated mountain home.
The dynamic shifts when Hussein Sam, a nomadic rancher, arrives with his family and livestock. Initially, Hatidže bonds with the family, even mentoring Sam in beekeeping. However, Sam’s greed leads him to overharvest honey, disregarding Hatidže’s crucial advice to leave half for the bees. This results in a devastating collapse of both their bee colonies during the harsh winter. Hatidže confronts Sam for his actions, but the damage is irreversible. Following the loss of her bees and the death of her mother, Hatidže is left alone in Bekirlija as the nomadic family moves on.
Directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov, “Honeyland” began as a short film about the Bregalnica river region but evolved into a poignant exploration of Hatidže’s world. Premiering at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, the film grossed $1,315,037, earning critical acclaim for its intimate portrayal of nature, sustainability, and human resilience.
Cast director: Ljubomir Stefanov
Cast actor: Hatidzhe Muratova, Nazife Muratova, Hussein Sam, Ljutvie Sam
Original name: Bal Ülkesi