What is the significance of white storks in North Macedonia's culture and film?

White storks hold a treasured place in North Macedonian culture, often featuring in films like 'The Tale of Silyan' which explores a farmer's connection with an injured stork.

How did the Gaza invasion impact the film 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk'?

The documentary captured the life of a Palestinian photographer during the Gaza invasion, tragically losing her and her family to an Israeli missile attack.

Who is Seymour Hersh and what is the film 'Cover-Up' about?

'Cover-Up' profiles legendary investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, known for breaking the My Lai Massacre story and his continued pursuit of scoops.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscar Hopefuls: Storks, Gaza, and a Whistleblower

Oscar Hopefuls: Storks, Gaza, and a Whistleblower

3 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A film captures a farmer's magical bond with an injured white stork.
A Palestinian photographer's life and death in Gaza is documented.
Seymour Hersh's career and daring reporting is the subject of a new film.

Oscar Hopefuls: Storks, Gaza, and a Whistleblower

The race for Oscar recognition in the documentary category features a record 201 entries, with a select few preparing to vie for shortlist spots. Among the compelling contenders is "The Tale of Silyan," a National Geographic film from North Macedonia that poetically portrays a farmer's bond with an injured white stork, a cherished symbol in Eastern European culture.

Another significant film, "Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk," chronicles the life of Palestinian photographer Fatma Hassouna amidst the Israeli invasion of Gaza. Tragically, Hassouna and her family were killed by an Israeli missile strike just as the film secured a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Investigative journalism legend Seymour Hersh, in his late eighties, is the subject of "Cover-Up." Directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus, the documentary examines Hersh's career, including his groundbreaking My Lai Massacre reporting and his work at The New York Times. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set for theatrical and streaming releases.