National Geographic's new doc 'The Tale of Silyan' is creating Oscar buzz

A new documentary, "The Tale of Silyan," by National Geographic, has caught the attention of Oscar enthusiasts worldwide, leaving audiences in awe with its captivating narrative. The film tells the heartwarming tale of Nikola, a down-on-his-luck farmer from rural North Macedonia, who forms an unlikely bond with an injured stork. As director Tamara Kotevska revealed during a chat on On The Red Carpet, the story is rooted in Macedonian folklore, drawing parallels to Snow White.

However, the original idea for "The Tale of Silyan" was not with the title itself, but rather with the discovery of the wounded stork by Nikola. This pivotal moment sparked Kotevska's interest in connecting the two stories together, uncovering a deeper meaning that resonated deeply within her culture and homeland.

The documentary has received widespread acclaim, including the Best Film Cinema and Arts Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. National Geographic's acquisition of the film has left many feeling full circle, as it marked a triumphant return to their roots. Cinematographer Jean Dakar echoed Kotevska's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of National Geographic's involvement.

As the documentary explores themes of connection and redemption, audiences are taking notice. "The Tale of Silyan" is currently available in select U.S. theaters, offering viewers a chance to experience this captivating story for themselves. With its Oscar buzz building momentum, it remains to be seen whether "The Tale of Silyan" will take home the coveted award next year.

I think what really stands out about this documentary is how it takes this ancient folklore and gives it a modern twist. The way they wove the story around Nikola's life and his connection with the stork is so beautifully done It's like, you can feel the emotional depth and resonance of the characters. And I love that National Geographic got involved - it's like they're giving these traditional stories the recognition they deserve The fact that the title itself wasn't even meant to be used initially just shows how organic and natural the whole thing feels. Anyway, I'm curious to see if "The Tale of Silyan" can take home that Oscar next year

omg u guyz i just saw dis documentary "The Tale of Silyan" on netflix and i am FREAKING OUT!! it's like so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, you feel bad for nikola but also happy he found connection w/ his stork fam i'm a total sucker for underdog stories and this one is like a modern day snow white plus it's macedonian folklore which i found out about btw from my friend who went to skopje last year anyway, i think we need more docs like dis that celebrate our cultures and stories

I'm so here for this documentary, it's like my heart is overflowing with feelings . I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a story about a farmer forming an unbreakable bond with a stork? It sounds like such a magical tale . But what really drew me in was the connection to Macedonian folklore - I've always been fascinated by stories that come from my culture's roots .

I love how the director, Tamara Kotevska, wove this narrative together using Nikola's discovery of the injured stork as the catalyst. It's like she took a small moment and turned it into something much bigger than itself . And the fact that National Geographic got involved is just amazing - it's like they're bringing this beautiful story full circle .

I'm definitely planning to check out "The Tale of Silyan" in theaters soon, I need to experience it for myself. Maybe we'll even see some Oscar glory next year? Fingers crossed!

I just saw that The Tale of Silyan is on Netflix and I'm totally obsessed! I love how the documentary combines Macedonian folklore with a modern story, it's so unique . And can we talk about Tamara Kotevska's cinematography skills? She must have done an amazing job capturing the beauty of North Macedonia on film. The connection between Nikola and that injured stork is giving me all the feels ... I'm definitely gonna watch it again when it comes out on DVD

OMG u guys!!! I'm literally OBSESSED with this new docu "The Tale of Silyan"!!! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a story about a farmer and an injured stork forming an unlikely bond? It sounds like a total fairy tale, but in the best way possible! And the fact that it's got Oscar buzz building is giving me LIFE!!! I need to see this doc ASAP and find out if it'll be taking home that coveted award next year. Fingers crossed, right?

I'm low-key obsessed with this documentary, you know? It's like, the stork and Nikola just clicked or something. The way they wove folktales together is so clever, but what really gets me is how it reflects the Macedonian culture in a beautiful way. As someone who loves learning about different stories and their origins, this documentary is like a masterclass. I mean, who knew that an injured stork could be the key to a deeper understanding of folklore? It's also crazy to see National Geographic stepping up with "The Tale of Silyan", it's like they're giving back to their roots in more than one way. What do you guys think about this film, has anyone seen it yet?

I'm telling ya, something fishy is going on here... National Geographic swoops in with their fancy documentary and BAM! Instant Oscars buzz. It's like they're trying to buy favor or something . And what's with this story being rooted in Macedonian folklore? Sounds like a clever way to weave in some culture to make the film more relatable. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a stork drama, right? But seriously, I'm not convinced it's all just good intentions. Maybe there's something more sinister at play...

I just watched that National Geographic doco, "The Tale of Silyan", and I gotta say, it's really got me thinking about how our lives are all connected, you know? This poor farmer in North Macedonia forms a bond with an injured stork, and from there, the whole story unfolds. It reminded me of my own life when I was younger - feeling lost and struggling to find my place in the world, but then something happens that sets everything right again. The way they wove folklore into the narrative is so beautiful too... it's like a big ol' hug for your heart

man i'm so here for this documentary it's like, you got this Macedonian farmer who's just tryna make a living and find his place in the world, but then he meets this stork and everything changes it's like, such a beautiful story of connection and redemption. and to think that the director Tamara Kotevska was inspired by her culture and homeland to create something so special i'm not surprised it's getting all this attention at the Venice Film Festival. and can we talk about how cool it is that National Geographic is behind it? they're bringing these amazing stories from around the world to our screens, you know? anyway, i'm defo gonna check out "The Tale of Silyan" when it hits theaters

I'm loving how National Geographic is pushing boundaries with this documentary, you know? It's like they're taking those old folklore tales and turning them into something fresh and new again . I've been watching the trailer and it gives me all the feels - that bond between Nikola and the stork is so beautiful . And can we talk about how cool it is that Tamara Kotevska drew inspiration from her own culture? It's like she's bringing a piece of Macedonian heritage to the global stage . I'm not surprised it's getting Oscar buzz, though - this film feels like something special . But what I want to know is: do you guys think the title itself was necessary or just a bit of marketing magic?

OMG just watched the trailer for The Tale of Silyan and I'm HOOKED it's like a beautiful fairy tale come to life! I love how the director wove together Macedonian folklore with the real-life story of the stork and Nikola, it's so heartwarming [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/...nalgeographic.com/feature/the-tale-of-silyan)

omg, can't get enough of this docu it's so beautiful how Nikola & that stork became like, besties! and i love how Tamara connected the dots between Macedonian folklore & Snow White - it's like, mind blown the cinematography must've been insane too but what i think is most inspiring is how a film can bring people together & make us feel seen, like National Geographic's involvement in this docu really adds to its heart

Wow! I love how they connected Macedonian folklore with Snow White - so cool! Interesting that the documentary was originally about a wounded stork and not the title itself... makes sense how Tamara Kotevska's culture influenced her storytelling

OMG, I'm totally loving this docu! It's like, you know when you stumble upon something beautiful in nature and it just takes over your heart? That's what happened to me with "The Tale of Silyan". The way the filmmakers wove together these two seemingly unrelated stories is pure magic. I mean, who wouldn't root for Nikola and his feathered friend, right? It's like a modern-day fairy tale, but with so much more depth and emotion. And that cinematography? Tamara Kotevska must be a genius behind the lens! The fact that it's getting all this Oscar buzz is just, like, the icing on the cake . Can't wait to see if it takes home the award next year

I'm loving how National Geographic is bringing Macedonian folklore into the global spotlight, but can we talk about how this documentary's success might just perpetuate the 'white savior' trope? I mean, a Western filmmaker (Tamara Kotevska) discovering and celebrating a traditional story from her homeland, without any pushback or critique from within the Macedonian community... feels kinda problematic. Still, I'm hyped to see how "The Tale of Silyan" will play out in theaters and what kind of conversation it sparks around global storytelling & representation

I'm thinkin', what's the real magic behind this film? Is it just about the stork or is it about Nikola findin' a new family among the birds and people in his life? It's like, we can all relate to feelin' lost and alone, but then somehow find our tribe. The documentary's doin' more than just tell a story, it's showin' us that even in the darkest times, there's always hope for redemption. And that's somethin' we can all get behind

I'm loving how National Geographic is pushing out these beautifully crafted documentaries that not only entertain but also bring a glimpse into different cultures. The way Tamara Kotevska wove Macedonian folklore with her own vision for "The Tale of Silyan" is just magic . It's always inspiring to see filmmakers find that perfect balance between storytelling and cultural significance. And can't wait to see if it'll take home that Oscar nod

I'm literally obsessed with this documentary . I mean, who wouldn't love the idea of a down-on-his-luck farmer forming an unlikely bond with an injured stork? It's like, the most beautiful thing ever . I was watching it on my lunch break and I just felt so... uplifted . I'm not even kidding when I say that it made me think about my own life and how we can all find redemption in unexpected places. The cinematography is also insane , like the way they capture the Macedonian landscape is simply breathtaking. I know a lot of people are rooting for it to win an Oscar next year, and honestly, I think it has a good shot . It's not often that you come across a film that truly tugs at your heartstrings like this one did... anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, what are you even doing with your life?