National Geographic Documentary Films has unveiled the trailer for The Tale of Silyan, a visually stunning and emotionally charged documentary from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tamara Kotevska. Set amid the rolling hills and rustic charm of rural North Macedonia, the film follows Nikola, a struggling farmer whose livelihood crumbles under the weight of restrictive government policies.
When his family moves abroad seeking a better life, Nikola is left behind to face solitude and uncertainty. His fate takes a turn when he begins working at a local landfill — a bleak existence that unexpectedly blossoms into something beautiful when he encounters Silyan, an injured white stork. What begins as a simple act of compassion evolves into a touching friendship that transcends species, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the profound power of connection.
The newly released trailer teases audiences with breathtaking visuals and emotional depth, offering glimpses of the unlikely bond between man and bird. The film has already captured critical acclaim, clinching Best Film in the Cinema and Arts category at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and representing North Macedonia’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards. It also earned a spot on DOC NYC’s 2025 Shortlist, celebrating the year’s most compelling documentaries, and was featured in the SCAD Savannah Film Festival’s “Docs to Watch” panel.
Kotevska, known for her Oscar-nominated Honeyland, shared her heartfelt connection to the project:
“This film is very close to my heart. Silyan, the stork we follow, embodies countless stories — each one a saga of survival and hope.”
The documentary’s striking visuals, captured by cinematographer Jean Dakar, elevate The Tale of Silyan into a cinematic experience of rare emotional power and visual poetry.
Audiences can witness this moving tale when The Tale of Silyan premieres in select U.S. theaters on November 28. More than just a film, it’s a soulful journey — a celebration of endurance, empathy, and the extraordinary connections that make life truly meaningful.
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