Honeyland 2019
Directed by
Ljubomir Stefanov
Made by
Contact Film
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
Hatidže's Life in Bekirlija
Hatidže Muratova leads a humble life as a traditional beekeeper in the remote village of Bekirlija. Living without electricity and running water, she cares for her elderly, partly blind mother, Nazife, ensuring their survival in this secluded mountain area.
Journey to Sell Honey
To support herself and her mother, Hatidže embarks on a four-hour journey to Skopje, the capital. There, she sells her honey, which is a testament to her dedication and resilience as a caregiver and provider.
Arrival of the Rancher Family
The peace of Bekirlija is disrupted when a nomadic rancher, Hussein Sam, moves into the area with his wife Ljutvie and their seven children. Their arrival brings new energy and interactions to Hatidže's tranquil life, initially marked by friendliness.
Developing Friendships
Initially, Hatidže enjoys joyful moments with Hussein's children, forming a brief bond of camaraderie. The sense of community is invigorated by the newcomers, which provides a reprieve from her solitary life.
Hussein's Interest in Beekeeping
Financial strains push Hussein to seek advice from Hatidže about her honey-selling business. Inspired by her success, he expresses eagerness to learn wild beekeeping, and Hatidže graciously shares her knowledge with him.
Learning the Art of Honey Collection
Hatidže provides Hussein with bees and instructs him on the delicate practice of honey collection. This mentorship represents a moment of connection between their families, fostering a shared goal of productivity.
Neglecting Essential Beekeeping Advice
As Hussein becomes consumed by his ambition, he disregards Hatidže’s vital advice: *'Always leave half of the honey for your bees.'* This is a significant turning point that foreshadows the impending conflict.
The Recklessness of Greed
Hussein's decision to sell all the honey his colonies produce to meet a customer’s demand leads to dire consequences. His negligence strains the relationship between their bee colonies, setting the stage for conflict.
Confrontation Over Honey Practices
Hatidže grows distressed as she confronts Hussein about his reckless choices. This confrontation highlights the clash between their approaches to beekeeping and the growing tension caused by his disregard for her experience.
Collapse of Hatidže's Bee Colony
As winter approaches and resources dwindle, the consequences of Hussein's actions unfold, leading to the collapse of Hatidže’s own bee colony. This loss signifies a profound personal and professional defeat for her.
The Loss of a Mother
Tragedy strikes when Hatidže's mother, Nazife, passes away, leaving her alone in their isolated village. This loss compounds Hatidže's previous failures and deepens her solitude in Bekirlija.
Departure of the Rancher Family
After the turmoil caused by Hussein’s greed, the nomadic family decides to leave Bekirlija for a new village. Their departure severs the bond that had formed, leaving Hatidže in her solitude to grapple with her losses.
Characters
Hatidže Muratova
Hatidže is a resilient and dedicated beekeeper who embodies traditional values and nurturing spirit. She is deeply connected to her environment and displays immense patience as she cares for her elderly mother. Her journey reflects a profound commitment to her craft, but also the struggles that arise when her world is disrupted by outside influences.
Nazife Muratova
Nazife is Hatidže's elderly mother, who relies entirely on her daughter's care. Her character highlights themes of vulnerability and familial responsibility, as she represents the emotional anchor in Hatidže's life. The bond between them adds depth to Hatidže’s struggle, especially as she faces loneliness after Nazife's passing.
Hussein Sam
Hussein is a nomadic rancher whose arrival disrupts the peaceful life in Bekirlija. He initially seeks friendship with Hatidže but becomes consumed by ambition, ultimately leading to conflict. His character reflects the tension between traditional practices and the desire for economic gain, showcasing the potential consequences of greed.
Ljutvie Sam
Ljutvie is Hussein's wife, representing the family’s struggle to adapt to their new environment. While less prominent, her presence sheds light on the dynamics of family in challenging circumstances. She contributes to the depiction of community ties and the complexities of rural life.
Setting
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the struggles of traditional lifestyles in a modernizing world. This period showcases the tension between old customs and the pressures of economic survival, especially within the unique context of beekeeping.
Location
Bekirlija, Skopje
Bekirlija is a remote village nestled in the mountains, characterized by its serene and untouched surroundings. This secluded area, lacking electricity and running water, is home to Hatidže, a traditional beekeeper, and her mother. Skopje, the capital city where Hatidže travels to sell her honey, contrasts sharply with the tranquility of Bekirlija, offering a bustling urban environment.
Themes
🐝
Nature vs. Disruption
The film explores the delicate balance between nature and human intervention. Hatidže's harmonious relationship with bees is threatened by outside influence, symbolizing the broader effect of modernization on traditional practices. The theme emphasizes the importance of respecting natural ecosystems for sustainable living.
💔
Isolation and Loss
Hatidže's journey is marked by profound isolation following her mother's death and the departure of her neighbors. This theme captures the emotional turbulence of solitude, highlighting the struggle to cope with loss and the yearning for connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
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Wisdom and Mistakes
The theme addresses the wisdom passed down through generations and the consequences of ignoring that wisdom. Hatidže's guidance on beekeeping is pivotal, yet it is ultimately disregarded, underscoring the idea that true understanding comes from respecting nature’s balance.
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