"The Tale of Silyan" director Tamara Kotevska and cinematographer Jean Dakar on folklore, environment and the conservation of rural history and traditions
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"The Tale of Silyan", interview with director Tamara Kotevska and cinematographer Jean DakarGianluca De Angelis
During the 82nd edition of Venice International Film Festival we spoke with Tamara Kotevska, director of the film “The Tale of Silyan”, and with cinematographer Jean Dakar. The film is presented at the festival out of competition and it is a moving story that intertwines the life of a local Macedonian farmer with both the rural traditions and the economic crisis of this Country, but also with the folklore stories like “Silian Štrkot” that are deeply rooted in the history of Macedonia. All of this comes to life through an unusual friendship between a white stork, wounded and unable to fly, and the farmer himself, in an interesting metaphor that also explores the themes of emigration and nature protection.
The interview
During our interview with FRED Film Radio, our guests Tamara Kotevska and Jean Dakar focused on the balance between the documentary narrative and the magical realism elements present in the film, but also on the importance of music and sound design that are crucial here. Arising global questions that come from local Macedonian problems, such as pollution and the rediscovery of a simpler, fuller, rural life.
Plot
A Macedonian folktale comes to life when a wounded white stork is rescued from a landfill by an unlikely saviour, transforming both of their lives for the better.
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