Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir StefanovSometimes, the story of how the subject of a documentary was discovered is equally as fascinating as the subject being depicted itself. For HONEYLAND, this is certainly the case. While on location in a remote mountainous village in North Macedonia to shoot a short environmental documentary, the co-directors encountered one of the last wild beekeepers in the country and the continent. Her name is Hatidže Muratova. She lives with her ill and bed-ridden mother, without any electricity or running water. Throughout their visits to Hatidže’s village, the filming crew collected over 400 hours of footage and naturally the entire course of this Oscar-nominated and Sundance Award-Winning film was completely altered.
HONEYLAND is essentially about the trials and tribulations of Hatidže’s lifestyle and labour. There is constant pressure on her to earn enough income to support her ill mother, who is completely dependent on her. Maintaining daily routines are tough at the best of times, but Hatidže’s resilience is truly put to the test when a large family arrive at a neighbouring house and disrupt her meticulous beekeeping process.
Shot and presented fly-on-the-wall style, there are numerous scenes occupying this documentary that capture the beekeeping process. Though most of these hardly enthral quite like the breathtaking opening shot, it is Hatidže’s unreserved dedication, genuine care and knowledge of her craft that is the bees knees. Later on, certain themes and ideologies become present in the film that will strike a chord with those who are able to perceive these without any form of guidance from the filmmakers. As will the seemingly helpless condition of her mother, Hatidže’s only form of ongoing company. As a warning though to potential viewers, I do feel the need to mention that this documentary contains quite a few scenes that animal lovers may find distressing. Aside from these, HONEYLAND is easily seen, yet not easily forgotten.
3½ stars
Viewer Discretion
M (Coarse language)
Trailer
HONEYLAND
Moviedoc thanks Umbrella Entertainment and Annette Smith for the screener link to watch and review this film.
HONEYLAND is released in cinemas throughout Australia from the 5th of March, 2020.
Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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