Honeyland Movie Review

Honeyland was one of my favorite documentaries this year. Directors Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov shot this movie over the course of several years in Macedonia. The film follows beekeeper Hatidze, a middle aged woman who takes care of her ailing mother. Hatidze approaches beekeeping in a natural way, preferring to let nature take its course. There is a certain level of respect that she gives to the land and to the bees, on whom she relies for her livelihood.

Hatidze’s world and practices are upturned when a rowdy family moves in next door. They begin their own beekeeping business, and Hatidze attempts to help out. She befriends one of the young boys who lives there and shows him how to work with the bees. However, things quickly turn sour as the family begins poor beekeeping practices that in turn have a negative effect on Hatidze’s bees.

It is impossible to not like Hatidze and to not feel for her when she encounters obstacle after obstacle. Her life is simple, but good. It is easy to see how she could get left behind in the fast paced, industrialized world that has taken over the planet. While the new world order emphasizes extreme wealth and excess, Hatidze focuses on only taking what she needs to survive. She understands the give and take of the earth and only takes what she needs from the bees. You don’t see her hoarding the honey or rushing the natural cycle of things to earn more money.

While it is easy to find themes of gluttony and greed in today’s media, it was refreshing to be reminded of a more meaningful way of life. Although Macedonia is miles away from where I am, Honeyland made it seem as if it wasn’t that far out of reach. In the weeks after seeing this movie, I found myself thinking of Hatidze and her bees often. I hope that wherever they are now, her and her bees are in living in harmony. 

Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like documentaries
2. You like experiencing a different way of living than your own
3. You like nature