I had the privilege of attending the pre-screening of The Tale of Silyan, the remarkable new film by Tamara Kotevska. While the title may suggest a story about a stork, the film is so much more—it is a reflection of all of us who have left our homeland, of our parents’ sacrifices, and of the state of our country.
The story goes: Nikola and his wife Jana have spent their lives growing watermelons, tomatoes, and tobacco on their family land, but collapsing wholesale prices push local farmers—including them—toward despair. Their daughter Ana emigrates to Germany with her family, only to find that childcare costs consume most of their income. She asks Jana to join them as a childminder, leaving Nikola behind to sell the land for next to nothing and take a job at a landfill. Lonely video calls with his family highlight the growing distance, softened only by the companionship of his old friend Ilija and the occasional shared drink.
You can experience the movie on so many levels: as a personal journey, a historical reflection, and a meditation on identity, belonging, and resilience. It captures the universal experience of migration, the void left behind when we leave home, and the strength required to navigate life away from where we began. Every scene resonates with authenticity, evoking both emotion and introspection.
Kotevska’s sensitive direction, combined with stunning cinematography and a rich soundscape, makes The Tale of Silyan an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It reminds us of the sacrifices of those who came before us and the enduring hope for a brighter future despite the challenges our homeland has faced.
As the film prepares for its UK release on 12th December, I highly encourage everyone to watch The Tale of Silyan. It is more than a story about a stork—it is a story about us, our history, our struggles, and our enduring connection to home. For more information and a list of cinemas screening the film, visit www.taleofsilyan.com