Honeyland 2019

Honeyland tells the poignant story of Hatidže Muratova, a traditional beekeeper of Turkish heritage residing in the remote village of Bekirlija, located in the municipality of Lozovo. Uniquely, she is among the last stewards of wild bees in Europe. Living in a secluded mountain area devoid of electricity and running water, Hatidže’s life is intertwined with that of her elderly, partly blind mother, Nazife Muratova, who is 85 years old and entirely reliant on her daughter’s care. To support them, Hatidže travels four hours to Skopje, the capital, where she sells her honey.

The tranquility of their village is disrupted with the arrival of a nomadic rancher, Hussein Sam, accompanied by his wife Ljutvie Sam and their seven children, along with various livestock. Initially, the interaction between Hatidže and the new arrivals is amicable, and she enjoys moments of joy with the children. However, as financial pressures mount, Hussein becomes intrigued by Hatidže’s honey-selling venture. Drawing inspiration from her, he seeks her guidance in wild beekeeping, and she willingly shares her expertise by providing him with bees and teaching him the art of honey collection.

Unfortunately, Hussein’s desire for success leads him astray. He neglects the crucial advice Hatidže offers—> “Always leave half of the honey for your bees.” When he decides to sell all the honey his colonies produce to satisfy a customer’s demand, it has disastrous consequences. This reckless decision results in a conflict between their bee colonies, especially as winter approaches and resources grow scarce. Hatidže, distressed by the fallout, confronts Hussein about his disregard for her counsel, which ultimately results in the collapse of her own bee colony. Soon after this, the tragedy deepens as her mother passes away, leaving Hatidže to face solitude in Bekirlija while the nomadic family departs for a new village, severing the bond that had briefly formed.