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Honeyland, directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov, is a breathtaking documentary that takes us on a journey through the life of Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper in the remote mountains of North Macedonia. "Honeyland" premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won three awards: the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, the Special Jury Award for Cinematography, and the Special Jury Award for Impact for Change. It went on to receive critical acclaim at film festivals around the world and was nominated for numerous awards, including a nomination for Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. 

The film begins by introducing us to Hatidze, who lives with her ailing mother in a stone house without electricity or running water. Hatidze spends her days tending to her bees and collecting honey to sell at the local market. She is a master beekeeper, using traditional methods passed down from her ancestors.

However, Hatidze's way of life is threatened when a family of nomadic beekeepers arrives in the valley. They bring with them modern technology and unscrupulous practices that disrupt the delicate balance of nature. As tensions rise between Hatidze and the newcomers, the film becomes a powerful meditation on the destructive consequences of human greed.

What makes Honeyland so remarkable is its stunning cinematography. The filmmakers capture the breathtaking beauty of the Macedonian countryside, with its sweeping vistas and lush greenery. They also capture the intimate moments of Hatidze's daily life, from her tender interactions with her mother to her moments of quiet contemplation as she tends to her bees.

But what makes the film truly unforgettable is Hatidze herself. She is a force of nature, a woman who is fiercely independent and deeply connected to the natural world around her. Her story is one of resilience and determination, and her spirit shines through every frame of the film.

In the end, Honeyland is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of our planet.

And a few words for the female filmmaker behind the scenes: 

Tamara Kotevska is a Macedonian filmmaker who gained international recognition for her documentary film "Honeyland." Kotevska was born in Prilep, Macedonia. In her early school years, Tamara earned a scholarship to study abroad in Tennessee. She graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, with an emphasis on documentary film.

"Honeyland" was Kotevska's first feature-length film, which she co-directed with Ljubomir Stefanov. 

Kotevska made history as the first Macedonian female director to be nominated for an Oscar. She and Stefanov were also the first filmmakers to receive nominations for both Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature Film in the same year.

In 20202, after the huge success with Honeyland in Hollywood, Kotevska was invited to become a member of the  Academy. 

Kotevska's work is known for its poetic and humanistic approach to storytelling, and "Honeyland" is a beautiful example of this. Her talent and dedication to her craft have made her an important voice in the world of documentary filmmaking, and she is a trailblazer for women and filmmakers from underrepresented countries.