A Macedonian folk tale is captivating Oscar hopefuls with its heartwarming story, now being catapulted into international attention thanks to the acclaimed documentary "The Tale of Silyan". Director Tamara Kotevska revealed that her film, a collaboration between National Geographic and herself, took an unexpected journey from the original folk tale she grew up hearing to a chance encounter with a wounded stork on a rural North Macedonian farm.
"I heard this story as a child from my grandparents," said Kotevska. "It's a very popular tale in Macedonia – it's like Snow White to us." The connection between Silyan, the ill-fated stork and its farmer Nikola wasn't immediate; the director acknowledged that she initially found the heartwarming narrative compelling but didn't immediately think of her film project.
The turning point arrived when Nikola discovered the injured bird. "Once Nikola found the stork and started living with the stork, it was only natural to get back to it," Kotevska explained. This realization reunited the director with her childhood story, as the film took shape around Silyan's heartwarming journey.
"The Tale of Silyan" has earned a prestigious Best Film Cinema and Arts Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, marking the triumphant return to its roots for Kotevska. National Geographic played a pivotal role in her life, from childhood literature to adult filmmaking, providing inspiration that has guided young filmmakers.
Cinematographer Jean Dakar expressed a similar sentiment: "It felt great actually when National Geographic decided to buy the film." The documentary explores themes of unexpected connections and transcending cultural backgrounds. With its Oscar buzz growing rapidly, viewers can experience this beautiful film in select U.S. theaters now.
"I heard this story as a child from my grandparents," said Kotevska. "It's a very popular tale in Macedonia – it's like Snow White to us." The connection between Silyan, the ill-fated stork and its farmer Nikola wasn't immediate; the director acknowledged that she initially found the heartwarming narrative compelling but didn't immediately think of her film project.
The turning point arrived when Nikola discovered the injured bird. "Once Nikola found the stork and started living with the stork, it was only natural to get back to it," Kotevska explained. This realization reunited the director with her childhood story, as the film took shape around Silyan's heartwarming journey.
"The Tale of Silyan" has earned a prestigious Best Film Cinema and Arts Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, marking the triumphant return to its roots for Kotevska. National Geographic played a pivotal role in her life, from childhood literature to adult filmmaking, providing inspiration that has guided young filmmakers.
Cinematographer Jean Dakar expressed a similar sentiment: "It felt great actually when National Geographic decided to buy the film." The documentary explores themes of unexpected connections and transcending cultural backgrounds. With its Oscar buzz growing rapidly, viewers can experience this beautiful film in select U.S. theaters now.
I'm not surprised that a Macedonian folk tale is getting so much attention – it's just proof that stories from our childhoods can be the most captivating ones! 
The way the director connected with her past and her passion for filmmaking is truly inspiring. 
It's amazing how a chance encounter with a wounded stork led to the creation of such a beautiful film. 
I'm all for exploring and sharing our cultural heritage, and this documentary does just that in a beautiful way 
. Can't wait to see it on the big screen! 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a story about an injured stork and its farmer becoming like family? But seriously, it's amazing how a folk tale from Macedonia can connect with people on such a deep level. It just goes to show that sometimes the most unexpected stories can bring us together 
. I'm excited to see how this film inspires more young filmmakers, especially those from diverse backgrounds 
!
It's so heartwarming to see how it went from being a traditional Macedonian folk tale to a beautifully crafted doco that's capturing everyone's hearts 
. And can we talk about the stork? I mean, poor thing was just sitting on this farm waiting to be rescued 
. The way Tamara Kotevska wove their story together is pure magic 
. National Geographic totally brought out the best in her film, and I'm loving how it's getting all this Oscar attention 
. Cinematographer Jean Dakar must have been like "Yaaas let's make this happen!" when they bought the rights to the film 
This film has me feeling all warm fuzzy inside, and I'm excited to see how it resonates with audiences worldwide.
! I had no idea a Macedonian folk tale could be so beautifully intertwined with real life 
. And can we talk about National Geographic's involvement? They're always supporting young filmmakers and providing a platform for stories to flourish 
. I'm not surprised it's getting all this buzz for the Oscars – it's a true heartwarming story that'll make you feel all the feels 
you know what's wild about this whole story? it's like tamara kotevska found her true north on that rural farm... but what if the real connection wasn't with silyan or nikola, but with her own childhood experiences and memories? like, did she ever question why this tale was so special to her as a child? is it because of the universal themes of love and loss that transcend cultures?
it's like she took a broken bird and stitched it back together, not just physically, but emotionally... and that's what makes "the tale of silyan" so beautiful
I'm not entirely convinced that a folk tale's Oscar potential is solely due to its heartwarming story 
. How did they discover this project in the first place? What was their role beyond providing inspiration for Tamara Kotevska's filmmaking style? 
her story is just so inspiring! taking a childhood tale to an Oscar hopeful doc - that's pure magic 
can't wait to see it on the big screen in US theaters now!! 
anyway back to the original folk tale that inspired it all... i've heard of these Macedonian stories before but never thought they'd be Oscar material lol what's next, a Bollywood-inspired remake? 
just kidding kinda 