Oscar-Contending Film Captures Stork's Plight

North Macedonia's rich cultural tapestry is deeply intertwined with its white storks, a reverence captured in the Oscar-contending documentary "The Tale of Silyan." The film, directed by native Tamara Kotevska, delves into the lives of these majestic birds and their connection to local folklore. Producer-director of photography Jean Dakar employed innovative drone technology, spending extensive time with stork families to achieve unprecedented, naturalistic imagery.

Dakar's patient approach allowed the crew to be present from the storks' hatching, ensuring the birds were unfazed by the drone's presence. This intimate access yielded remarkable footage of storks in flight and nesting. The documentary also pivots to a somber reality, depicting how shifts in government policy render traditional farming economically unviable for individuals like Nikola, a central figure in the film.