North Macedonia is known for its rich cultural heritage, mountainous topography, stunning lakes and for a wonder of the avian world – white storks that have made the Eastern European country a preferred spot to raise their young.

The majestic birds are so woven into the life of North Macedonia that they factor in the country’s mythology, including one folk tale told of a father who put a curse on his son Silyan, turning him into a stork. That story informs The Tale of Silyan , the Oscar-contending documentary directed by Tamara Kotevska , a North Macedonia native.

“They’re the national bird of Macedonia. And since I was growing up, this is the first tale I ever heard from my grandparents,” Kotevska said as she and producer-director of photography Jean Dakar appeared at Deadline

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