Honeyland: A Tale of Bees, Balance, and Survival
"Honeyland is a stunning exploration of the delicate balance of nature and the consequences of its exploitation."
31 Aug 2023
Hatidže Muratova, a beekeeper in Bekirlija, North Macedonia, faces challenges to her sustainable practices when nomadic rancher Hussein Sam arrives and exploits her bees.
“If one breaks the rule, everyone pays the price.”
Directors
Synopsis
Hatidže Muratova, a beekeeper in Bekirlija, North Macedonia, faces challenges to her sustainable practices when nomadic rancher Hussein Sam arrives and exploits her bees.
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View all →Synopsis
Hatidže Muratova lives in the mountain village of Bekirlija, North Macedonia, where she tends to her wild bees without access to electricity or running water. She supports her 85-year-old mother, Nazife, while selling honey in Skopje, four hours away. The arrival of nomadic rancher Hussein Sam and his family disrupts her solitary life. Inspired by Hatidže's beekeeping, Sam begins to exploit the bees, straying from traditional practices. Over three years, the film captures the tension between sustainable living and modern exploitation.
What Critics Say
The GuardianA Macedonian beekeeper’s livelihood is threatened by the arrival of a rowdy family in a Sundance-winning documentary.
Simran HansRead full article
September 15, 2019
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Hatidže, one of Europe's last wild beekeepers.
- See the impact of new neighbors on a traditional lifestyle.
- Find out how Hatidže cares for her bedridden mother.
Did You Know
- Honeyland grossed $1,315,037 after its release.
- The film was shot over a period of three years.
- Hatidže lives in a village without electricity or running water.
- Honeyland received three awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
- It is the second Macedonian film to earn an Oscar nomination.
Perfect For
Environmental documentariesBeekeeping enthusiastsMacedonian culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Honeyland?
Honeyland was directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov.
What is the main subject of Honeyland?
The main subject of Honeyland is Hatidže Muratova, a beekeeper living in the remote mountain village of Bekirlija.
How much money did Honeyland gross?
Honeyland grossed $1,315,037.
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