National Geographic Acquires "The Tale of Silyan" for Theatrical and Streaming Release
National Geographic Documentary Films has secured worldwide rights to "The Tale of Silyan," the latest project from Tamara Kotevska, the Oscar-nominated director known for "Honeyland." The acquisition involves collaborations with Concordia Studio, The Corner Shop, and Ciconia Film. The film is slated for a theatrical release followed by a global streaming debut on Disney+.
Critical Acclaim and Academy Award Nomination
"The Tale of Silyan" has already garnered significant recognition. It has been chosen to represent North Macedonia in the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Furthermore, the documentary received the "Best Film" Cinema and Arts Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and was showcased at the Toronto Film Festival.
Synopsis: A Story of Connection and Resilience in Rural North Macedonia
The film unfolds in rural North Macedonia, focusing on Nikola, a farmer struggling with new government policies that hinder his ability to sell his land and crops. As his family seeks opportunities abroad, Nikola finds work as a landfill attendant. It is there that he discovers an injured white stork, named Silyan. An unlikely bond develops as Nikola nurses the stork back to health, intertwining with a rich North Macedonian folktale, giving the film a mythical and lyrical dimension.
Themes and Production Details
"The Tale of Silyan" addresses relevant themes, including climate change, economic migration, resilience, and the profound power of human and animal connection. The film is produced by Kotevska and Jean Dakar (who also serves as cinematographer) for Ciconia Film, alongside Anna Hashmi from The Corner Shop, and Jordanco Petkovski. Executive producers include Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth"), Laurene Powell Jobs, Casey Meurer, and Lizzie Fox from Concordia Studio. Martin Ivanov served as the editor, with music composed by Joe Wilson Davies and HunOuk Park.
Distribution and Representation
UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the acquisition deal on behalf of the filmmakers. Following its festival circuit run, "The Tale of Silyan" is expected to have a theatrical release prior to its streaming debut on Disney+.
