About Honeyland

"Honeyland" is a 2019 Macedonian documentary film that paints a poignant picture of the harmony between humans and nature. It is directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov, and it tells the compelling story of Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper living in isolation in the mountains of North Macedonia. The plot thickens when a neighboring family's business threatens the bee colonies' ecosystem, causing a clash between sustainability and exploitation.

Making / Production

The directors, Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov, spent three years shooting the film, encountering many obstacles during the lengthy production period, including severe weather and difficult terrain. But their dedication resulted in a final product that shines a spotlight on the delicate balance of nature and human interaction.

Actors

• Hatidze Muratova - Playing herself, Hatidze delivers a touching performance as a lonely beekeeper whose peaceful existence is disturbed by the arrival of an intrusive family.
• Hussein Sam - Hussein plays himself as the patriarch of the family who disrupts Hatidze's peaceful life. His performance brilliantly portrays the struggles of a man driven by necessity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Honeyland" is the first film to be nominated for both the 'Best International Feature Film' and the 'Best Documentary Feature' at the Academy Awards.
• The film was shot over three years, with filmmakers encountering extreme weather conditions during production.

Awards

"Honeyland" was a huge success on the awards circuit, highlighting its compelling narrative and the captivating performances. It was nominated for two Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards - for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature.

Quotes

• "Half for me, half for you" – Hatidze Muratova

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's sparse yet powerful soundtrack was created by Foltin, a music collective from North Macedonia, enhancing the documentary's emotional resonance.