LOS ANGELES — National Geographic Documentary Films has unveiled the trailer and release date for its acclaimed documentary “The Tale of Silyan,” a poignant new work from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tamara Kotevska.
Set in rural North Macedonia, the film follows Nikola, a struggling farmer whose livelihood is disrupted by shifting government policies that leave him unable to sell his crops or land.
After his family departs for a better life abroad, Nikola takes a job at a local landfill where he encounters Silyan, an injured white stork.
As he tends to the bird, a friendship grows, revealing a story about the beauty in unlikely companions.
The newly released trailer offers a first look at this poetic and deeply emotional tale between man and nature.
The film has already earned widespread critical acclaim, winning Best Film in the Cinema and Arts category at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and serving as North Macedonia’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards.
It was recently featured on DOC NYC’s 2025 Shortlist, highlighting 15 of the year’s top documentaries, and selected for the SCAD Savannah Film Festival’s “Docs to Watch” panel.
This film is very close to my heart,” said director Kotevska. “Silyan, the one stork we follow, represents many — each carrying their own journey of survival and return. It’s a story that took time, patience and love to make. Working with Jean Dakar, whose cinematography brings the world of the film to life in such a breathtaking and deeply immersive way, has been an incredible collaboration.”
“The Tale of Silyan” will make its theatrical debut this fall, opening in select U.S. theaters on November 28.
