The Tale of Silyan

In the rolling hills of North Macedonia, life moves to the rhythm of the soil and the seasonal return of white storks that nest among the humble farms. The land, scarred by economic uncertainty, feels both timeless and fragile, a place where the simple act of planting a potato or tending tobacco carries the weight of generations. A quiet melancholy hangs over the village, softened only by the soft rustle of feathers and the distant hum of a nearby landfill that whispers of modern survival.

Nikola lives alone amid this landscape, a solitary farmer whose family has drifted away, leaving him with an inherited plot that feels both a burden and a legacy. His days are marked by the repetitive labor of the fields, punctuated by moments of introspection as he watches the world change around him. The loss of his children’s presence has carved a space of loneliness, yet his attachment to the earth remains stubbornly resilient, a quiet testament to his steadfast spirit.

One day, while navigating the outskirts of the landfill, Nikola discovers a wounded white stork, the bird he names Silyan. The encounter is unexpected, a fragile creature out of place among the discarded remnants of daily life. In rescuing the bird, a tentative bond forms—two beings, each bearing the weight of isolation, finding solace in one another’s company. Their connection hints at the possibility of shared purpose, a gentle reminder that even in the most barren moments, companionship can stir hope.

The film unfolds with a tender, observant tone, inviting viewers to linger on the quiet beauty of the countryside and the subtle, unspoken communication between man and bird. In this world, every sunrise over the fields and every beat of Silyan’s wings becomes a quiet promise that resilience and kindness may yet blossom where they are least expected.

Last Updated: January 04, 2026 at 18:21